Production Planner

SUMMARY

The Production Planner is responsible for developing and maintaining production schedules to ensure fiber optic cable products are manufactured efficiently and delivered on time. This role works closely with Production Lines, Purchasing, Inventory, Quality, Engineering, and Sales to coordinate material availability, production capacity, and customer demand. The planner monitors production tasks through a system, manages priorities, resolves scheduling conflicts, and communicates production status across teams. The role also supports continuous improvement initiatives focused on optimizing inventory levels, manufacturing efficiency, capacity utilization, and on-time delivery performance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES including the following:

Develop and maintain production schedules in alignment with customer requirements, capacity constraints, and inventory availability to ensure timely execution of manufacturing operations.

Coordinate cross-functionally with Production Lines, Purchasing, Inventory, Quality, Engineering, and Sales to ensure material readiness and resource alignment for scheduled production activities.

Monitor production flow and schedule adherence through the system; adjust priorities to mitigate disruptions such as material shortages, capacity limitations, or process delays.

Ensure controlled and timely availability of raw materials and components through coordination with procurement and inventory management processes.

Communicate production plans, schedule revisions, and risk to plan attainment to leadership in a timely and structured manner.

Level and balance production workload across manufacturing lines to support operational efficiency, minimize bottlenecks, and maintain flow continuity.

Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on waste reduction, lead time reduction, improved process flow, and inventory optimization in alignment with lean manufacturing principles.

Maintain accurate planning data to ensure consistency between demand signals, production execution, and system records.

Perform other duties as assigned.

COMPENTENCIES

Production Scheduling Material Planning Cross-Functional Collaboration Problem Solving ERP/MRP Systems Lean Manufacturing

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelors degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field preferred

Equivalent combination of education and manufacturing/planning experience may be considered.

25 years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or manufacturing operations

Experience in a manufacturing environment (fiber optic, cable, wire, or similar industrial production preferred)

Experience working with ERP/MRP systems for planning and inventory control

Strong background in coordinating across production, purchasing, inventory, and engineering functions

Experience managing changing priorities in a fast-paced production environment

Lean Six Sigma certification a plus

ERP/MRP system experience or certification preferred

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY 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.

Works in a deadline-driven production planning environment focused on on-time delivery and schedule adherence.

Collaborates with Production, Purchasing, Inventory, Quality, Engineering, and Sales in a fast-paced environment.

Demonstrates initiative to learn processes, systems, and scheduling methods to improve planning accuracy.

Identifies and communicates production or material discrepancies for timely resolution.

Uses planning systems and computer tools to manage schedules and analyze data.

Applies sound judgment to execute scheduling decisions with limited supervision.

Works in both office and manufacturing environments, including production floor exposure.

Maintains high attention to detail in schedules, materials, and production data.

Follows standardized procedures while adapting to changing priorities and demand.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Prolonged periods of computer-based work require extended sitting.

Occasional movement through warehouses and production areas.

Frequent use of hands for computer use, data entry, and document handling.

Regular verbal communication and ability to hear effectively in a work environment.

Ability to occasionally lift up to 30 lbs as needed.

Visual acuity sufficient for reading documents, schedules, and digital systems.

Exposure to moderate high noise levels in manufacturing and warehouse areas.

Occasional exposure to non-climate-controlled environments, including heat and dust.

OTHER DUTIES

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities. There may be other duties, as assigned.

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