As part of the Russell Stover Supply Chain Planning Team, the Production Planner will be responsible for effectively coordinating the materials, production, and distribution of manufactured part components. The Production Planner will have overall accountability for assigned product groups regarding their timely manufacture and availability. This will include daily communication with all areas of Operations to include Executive Staff. This position will improve global service levels, help increase sales, and reduce system cost by making multiple critical decisions which impact the production plan, inventory levels, service levels, and supply chain costs.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provides production schedules for plants and co-packers based on forecast, production capacity, and inventory targets.
• Identifies material risks and capacity shortages.
• Develops systems expertise and continuously improves planning systems.
• Ensures lowest cost while maintaining high customer service levels

Basic Qualifications

• At least one year of supply chain/operations management experience
• Working knowledge of supply chain systems such as SAP, MRP, IBP, PPDS
• Intermediate experience with Microsoft Excel and Word
• Problem-solving and analytical skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Marketing, Statistics, Business, Operations Management, Finance, Information Technology
• 3 years in Supply Chain / Operations
• Intermediate proficiencies in Microsoft Access / Access / PowerPoint
• Working knowledge of Supply Chain policies and practices, Material Requirements Planning (MRP)
• CPG (fast-moving consumer goods) experience in supply chain, MRP, forecasting, and/or logistics
• Experience using PPDS, IBP, and SAP
• Strong interpersonal skills: Will work with many functions within Russell Stover to be successful, including sales, customer service, operations and logistics
• Ability to work across departments and across levels within an organization
• Leadership qualities and the ability to maintain / build relationships.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and stressful situations effectively, adapt to changing priorities, and respond with urgency to requests while remaining focused on strategic imperatives.
• Strong systems acumen with ability to adapt and apply.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and apply business processes through previous work experience and / or related course work.
• Strong oral and written communication abilities

Company Description

Russell Stover Chocolates is the nation’s leading manufacturer of boxed chocolates. The company’s three brands – Russell Stover, Whitman’s and Pangburn’s - account for more than 60 percent of all boxed chocolate sales in the United States through 30 company-owned retail stores and 70,000 wholesale accounts. After nearly 100 years in operation the company manufactures approximately 100 million pounds of chocolate candies each year in its proud tradition of being “Made in America” and “Handcrafted in Small Batches”.In September 2014, Stover Chocolates was acquired by Lindt and Sprungli, the world leader in premium chocolates. This was the largest acquisition in the history of Lindt and Sprungli which has operations in over 40 countries across the globe. Russell Stover joins sister companies Lindt USA and Ghirardelli to form a powerful confectionery triad in North America.Employment by Stover Chocolates is contingent upon I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification, passing the urinalysis drug screen, education verification, and satisfactory reference and background checks.Stover Chocolate is an EOE/MINORITY/FEMALE/VET/DISABLED employer. Principals only please.