Production Planner

Welcome to VVF Illinois Services, LLC! We're part of VVF Group, a world leader in manufacturing of Oleo Chemicals and Personal Care products founded in 1939. We are one of the largest contract manufacturers of personal care products in the world. Here in Montgomery, Illinois, we focus on the manufacturing and distribution of Personal Care Products - we manufacture bar soaps, deodorants, antiperspirants and gels. At VVF, it's not about the job, it's about the experience. We strive to create an exceptional environment for our employees, shaped by fair practices and excellent opportunities for career growth and a working culture that embraces diversity.

The Production Planner is responsible for supporting the company's end-to-end production planning and procurement activities for soap manufacturing operations. This role focuses on planning, buying, supplier management, cost analysis, and ensuring that all planning and procurement activities align with the company's operational and strategic objectives. The Production Planner works closely with cross-functional teams and suppliers to optimize the supply chain and mitigate risks.

Job Duties:

Procurement:

• Supplier Selection: Identifying and evaluating potential suppliers based on quality, cost, and reliability.
• Order Placement: Issuing purchase orders for required materials and components. Expedite past due orders and coordinate quality, pricing, and delivery issues with suppliers.
• Contract Negotiation: Negotiating terms and conditions with suppliers to secure favorable terms.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers to ensure reliable supply chains.

Inventory Management:

• Stock Monitoring: Regularly checking inventory levels to prevent stockouts and overstocking.
• Replenishment Planning: Planning and executing material replenishment to maintain optimal inventory levels.
• Inventory Turnover: Managing the rate at which inventory is used and replenished.

Production Planning:

• Scheduling: Creating and updating production schedules to meet demand forecasts.
• Demand Forecasting: Using historical data and market trends to predict future material needs.
• Capacity Planning: Ensuring that production capacity aligns with demand and material availability. Work closely with planning, operations, quality, and finance teams to align sourcing activities with production schedules and business goals.

Quality Assurance:

• Material Inspection: Support inspection of materials upon receipt to ensure they meet quality standards with quality and operations teams. Track for timely release.
• Issue Resolution: Addressing and resolving any quality issues with suppliers promptly in coordination with supplier quality team.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Performance Monitoring: Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) related to procurement, inventory, and production.
• Continuous Improvement: Analyzing data to identify areas for process improvement and implementing changes.

Risk Management & Compliance:

• Identify potential risks in the supply chain and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Support the development of contingency plans to address supply disruptions or changes in market conditions.
• Collaborates with Sourcing on activities that comply with company policies, ethical standards, and international trade regulations.

Basic Minimum Requirements:

• Authorized to work in the United States
• Bachelor's Degree in Planning, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering or closely related field
• 5+ years' thorough experience in sourcing, procurement, production planning or scheduling, or supply chain management is preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication at all levels.
• Experience with ERP systems, SAP and procurement tools is preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Successful outcome of Inspections & Audits by the Health Authority (USFDA), 3rd party certification agencies and customers (existing as well as prospective).

• All finished products released for shipment to the customers meet their established quality standards.
• Effective & Efficient deployment of Quality Management System ensuring sustained certifications for ISO 22716 and 21 CFR part 210 & 211.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to walk distances, climb stairs, walk on uneven surfaces and wear required PPE in designated areas
• Able to sit for long periods of time utilizing a computer

Other Required Skills:

• Strong planning and organizing skills
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Achievement of strategic goals and objectives within the defined timelines.
• Improvement of key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics related to business growth and profitability
• Effective collaboration and alignment with cross-functional teams

At VVF, our people are what make the difference. Benefits for this position include medical, dental and vision insurance available on day 1 of employment. Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverages are provided and paid for by the company. We offer a company match on employee contributions into our available 401(k) retirement plan. Enjoy company paid holidays and vacation time as well as a business casual work environment.

VVF is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex or gender, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, including the perception that a person has any of those characteristics or that the person is associated with a person who has, or is perceived to have, any of those characteristics, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable law. VVF is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to View email address on click.appcast.io or call Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.