Production Planner, Global Manufacturer

Senior Production Planner

Since 1792, we've been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people's lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon is trusted by customers around the globe. We're active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It's what you'd expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that's dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today while creating an even better tomorrow. Let's paint the future together.

The Senior Production Planner is responsible for coordinating short, medium, and long-term production planning activities to support customer demand, inventory optimization, and operational efficiency. This role manages production order creation and scheduling activities while ensuring alignment between Supply Chain, Production, Logistics, Customer Service, and Procurement. The Senior Planner serves as a key contributor in driving inventory management, production continuity, service performance, and continuous improvement initiatives across the site.

Location: Waukegan, IL

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for short, medium, and long-term production planning activities across operational departments.
• Create, release, and schedule process orders to support production execution and customer demand requirements.
• Coordinate production priorities and communicate scheduling updates across Supply Chain, Logistics, Customer Service, Procurement, and Plant Operations.
• Utilize MRP and SAP planning tools to calculate, evaluate, and analyze inventory levels, raw material requirements, packaging availability, and customer demand.
• Monitor inventory levels and proactively identify supply risks, shortages, or production constraints.
• Set up and maintain new materials and planning parameters in SAP according to customer requirements, safety stock targets, and demand expectations.
• Manage and monitor planning related KPI metrics and support reporting activities.
• Support and participate in IBP processes for demand analysis, production planning, and inventory management.
• Lead weekly alignment meetings with commercial teams and site leadership to review operational and planning KPIs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on process optimization, inventory reduction/levelling, scheduling efficiency, and delivery performance.
• Partner cross-functionally to troubleshoot operational challenges and implement corrective actions.
• Participate in root cause analysis activities related to planning, scheduling, inventory, or service disruptions.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety standards, procedures, and Life Saving Rules.
• Participate in Waukegan site safety programs, audits, training, and Behavioral Based Safety initiatives.
• Actively intervene and escalate unsafe conditions or behaviors in alignment with AkzoNobel safety expectations.
• Manage workload independently while balancing multiple priorities and projects across departments.
• Escalate supplier, material, or operational risks when appropriate to support business continuity.

Job Responsibilities

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field preferred, or equivalent manufacturing planning experience.
• 5+ years of experience in production planning, supply chain, scheduling, or manufacturing operations.
• Experience working within SAP, MRP, or ERP planning systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret operational and inventory data.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills preferred.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively across multiple departments and organizational levels.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to challenge and improve existing processes.
• Fluent in English with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience in batch manufacturing or chemical manufacturing environment preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

Base salary range for this role is: $80,000 to $88,000. This is the range that we in good faith anticipate relying on when setting wages for this position. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This salary range may also be modified in the future.

401K retirement savings with 6% company match

Eligible for annual bonus

Medical insurance with HSA

Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D benefits

Generous vacation, sick and holiday pay

Short & Long term disability

Paid Parental leave after 1 year

Career growth opportunities

Active Diversity & Inclusion Networks

Employee referral bonus

Employee appreciation days

Competencies

Accepting Direction

Accepting Responsibility

Acquiring Information