Operations Planner

Job Description

Job Description

Reports to: Plant Manager

Cooperates with: All departments

The Operations Planner is responsible for translating customer demand and backlog into an executable production plan for the Prior Lake facility. This role provides visibility into plant capacity, manages OEM hold programs, and works collaboratively with the Production Manager and supervisors to ensure work flows through the plant in the correct sequence to meet customer commitments. The Operations Planner maintains visibility into backlog planning, coordinates production priorities, and supports operational planning discipline to improve throughput, on-time delivery, and overall plant efficiency.

What You'll Do:

Production Planning & Scheduling

• Maintain visibility of production backlog and develop planning reports to support operational decision making.
• Coordinate with the Production Manager to prioritize and sequence work based on customer commitments, plant capacity, and operational constraints.
• Maintain a rolling 4–8 week production outlook for the shop floor while maintaining longer-term visibility of demand.
• Support coordination of job releases to the shop floor in collaboration with administrative support personnel.

Backlog Management

• Manage customer contractual obligations and coordinate the appropriate release of work into production.
• Monitor backlog timing to ensure customer commitments and hold requirements are respected.
• Communicate backlog status and schedule changes to plant leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Assist with plant balancing considerations when demand exceeds local capacity.
• Provide operational planning visibility to support coordination with other MIRATECH facilities when needed.

Capacity Planning & Operational Visibility

• Maintain visibility into plant capacity and identify potential bottlenecks or resource constraints.
• Provide planning insight to support staffing, scheduling, and operational decisions.
• Work with Production and Plant Leadership to ensure the plant has an executable plan aligned with customer delivery commitments.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work closely with Production Managers and Supervisors to communicate schedule priorities and production sequencing.
• Coordinate with Sales / Customer Service to understand customer commitments and delivery expectations.
• Work with Sales / Customer Service in regard to changes in customer requirements.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Purchasing, and Inventory Management to ensure jobs are ready for production.
• Support Shipping and Logistics teams to ensure alignment between production completion and shipment timing.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve production planning discipline and operational visibility.
• Assist plant leadership in identifying process improvements that support throughput, scheduling stability, and on-time delivery.
• Participate in initiatives that improve how production planning information is communicated and utilized within the plant.

How To Qualify:

• Education & Experience: High school diploma required; associate or bachelor's degree in Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field preferred, with 5+ years of experience in manufacturing planning, scheduling, or production coordination.
• Manufacturing Environment: Experience working in a metal fabrication, welding, or discrete manufacturing environment preferred.
• Systems & Tools: Experience using ERP systems (SYSPRO a plus) and strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Office applications.
• Skills & Collaboration: Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, collaborate with shop floor and cross-functional teams, and influence operational decisions.

Personal Characteristics

• Strong organizational discipline
• Operational awareness of manufacturing environments
• Ability to balance priorities in a dynamic job-shop environment
• Collaborative leadership and communication
• Data-driven decision support

Benefits and Perks:

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Annual Bonus Program
• $350 Annual Wellness Credit
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 401k with match up to 5%
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• $350 Production Reimbursement Program

Equal Opportunity: MIRATECH is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regards to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal laws and regulations.