Production Planner

Production PlannerCooling the Cloud. Protecting the PlanetNortek Data Center Cooling builds the systems that keep modern data centers running — from liquid cooling to large-scale air solutions. Our work supports some of the world's most demanding AI and hyperscale environments, and we solve those challenges with engineering depth and practical execution.We keep things simple here. We communicate early, stay close to the details, and follow through. When issues come up, we address them directly, not with layers of process. Customers count on us because we do what we say and we keep projects moving.Our culture is hands-on and collaborative. People take ownership, move quickly, and help each other. If you like working with teammates who are straightforward and accountable, you'll feel at home.With the backing of Madison Air, we have the scale, stability, and manufacturing footprint to support complex, high-growth programs.Role SummaryThe Production Planner is responsible for developing and maintaining feasible production schedules that balance customer demand, capacity, inventory targets, and operational constraints. This role acts as the central integrator between Sales, Operations, Procurement, and Manufacturing to ensure on-time delivery, stable production flow, and optimal inventory levels.Key ResponsibilitiesProduction Planning & SchedulingDevelop and maintain master production schedules (MPS) aligned with demand forecasts, customer orders, and inventory strategiesTranslate sales forecasts and firm orders into executable production plansOptimize schedules to balance capacity, labor, materials, and equipment constraintsSequence production orders to minimize changeovers, downtime, and wasteMaintain planning parameters (lead times, lot sizes, safety stock) in ERP/MRP systemsCross-Functional CoordinationPartner with Sales, Customer Service, Operations, and Procurement to align priorities and resolve conflictsParticipate in S&OP / IBP processes, providing schedule feasibility and capacity insightsCommunicate schedule changes, risks, and tradeoffs clearly to stakeholdersInventory & Material AlignmentEnsure production plans support inventory targets for raw materials, WIP, and finished goodsCollaborate with purchasing to align production schedules with supplier lead times and constraintsProactively identify material shortages or excess risks and recommend mitigation actionsPerformance Management & Continuous ImprovementTrack and analyze KPIs such as schedule adherence, on-time delivery, inventory turns, and capacity utilizationIdentify root causes of schedule disruptions and drive corrective actionsSupport lean, continuous improvement, and system optimization initiativesMaintain accurate master data to ensure planning integrityKey Metrics for SuccessSchedule adherence / plan attainmentCustomer on-time-in-full (OTIF)Inventory turns and excess/obsolete inventoryCapacity utilizationForecast-to-plan alignmentRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Industrial Engineering, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)3–7 years of experience in production planning, master scheduling, or manufacturing supply chainStrong working knowledge of MRP/ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, JD Edwards, etc.)Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, formulas, scenario analysis)Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilitiesPreferred QualificationsAPICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP)Experience supporting S&OP / IBP processesExperience in a multi-product, variable-demand manufacturing environmentFamiliarity with lean manufacturing principlesCritical Skills & CompetenciesAbility to balance competing priorities and make tradeoff decisionsStrong communication and stakeholder management skillsAttention to data accuracy and detailComfortable working in fast-paced, changing environmentsInfluential without direct authorityNortek Data Center Cooling is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law.Nortek Air Management and its divisions offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Our benefits package includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life, STD, LTD, FSA, HAS and 401(k) Plan with company contributions.