Production Planning Specialist

JOB SUMMARY:3 Month Project, Starting ASAP.Shift: Mon-Fri 7:30am-4pm OR 8am-4:30pmResponsible for developing and executing long-term, monthly, weekly, and daily production plans to ensure on-time customer delivery, optimal inventory levels, and effective utilization of production capacity. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to identify planning gaps, mitigate risks, and maintain stable production operations.ESSENTIAL DUTIES and/or RESPONSIBILITIES:Long-Term Demand & Monthly Planning· Review demand forecasts by customer, product, and equipment.· Determine required production volume and capacity requirements.· Maintain appropriate inventory levels to support business needs.· Communicate production volume forecasts to relevant functions.· Coordinate material availability and workforce planning activities.Weekly Planning· Analyze demand and inventory requirements for the upcoming 2–3 weeks.· Establish production schedules, priorities, and sequencing.· Balance production capacity and customer requirements.Daily Planning· Issue daily production schedules and instructions to manufacturing.· Monitor production progress against plan.· Adjust schedules and priorities as necessary to ensure customer delivery commitments are met.· Coordinate with manufacturing and related departments to resolve production issues.General Responsibilities· Identify production planning gaps and potential delivery risks.· Implement actions to mitigate risks and improve planning effectiveness.· Support continuous improvement activities related to planning processes and inventory management.KEY DECISIONS/DIMENSIONS:· Determine production quantities, timing, and priorities.· Establish production sequencing based on customer demand, capacity, and inventory status.· Balance inventory levels, production resources, and delivery requirements.· Escalating capacity, material, or scheduling risks impacting customer commitments.MAJOR CHALLENGES:· Managing fluctuating customer demand while maintaining delivery performance.· Balancing inventory optimization with production efficiency.· Coordinating multiple stakeholders across production, materials, and customer-facing functions.· Responding quickly to changes in demand, capacity constraints, and supply issues.QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITES:No direct supervisory responsibility.MINIMUM EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:· Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred.· Minimum 5 years of production planning experience in a manufacturing environment.· Automotive industry experience preferred.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and/or ABILITIES:· Strong communication and interpersonal skills.· Analytical and problem-solving capabilities.· Knowledge of automotive industry and parts manufacturing operations.· Ability to coordinate effectively across multiple functions.· Strong organizational and planning skills.· Ability to identify abnormalities, assess risks, and communicate appropriately.· Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.· Bilingual Japanese and English proficiency is required. Ability to communicate effectively in both languages in a business environment.COMPUTER SKILLS:· General PC and business system knowledge.· Experience with ERP, MRP, APS, or production planning systems preferred· Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.CERTIFICATES, LICENSES and/or REGISTRATIONS:APICS/CPIM or related supply chain certification preferred.HireQuest does not discriminate on the basis of Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or other legally protected group status in making hiring or employment decisions.We welcome candidates from all backgrounds, industries, and abilities to join our team. HireQuest is a global workforce solutions provider offering everything from on-demand staffing to executive recruiting through our core brands: HireQuest Direct, MRINetwork, Snelling, and TradeCorp. Recognized by SIA as one of the “Largest Staffing Firms” and “Fastest Growing Staffing Firms,” we take pride in building inclusive teams. To ensure every applicant has a positive experience, our hiring and interview process is designed to meet diverse needs. If you require a reasonable accommodation during your application or interview, please contact [email protected].