What are the responsibilities and job description for the Operations Planner & Scheduler position at A P NONWEILER COMPANY INC?
About APN Performance Coatings
Since 1929, A.P. Nonweiler Company, Inc. (APN) has been a trusted partner in performance, protection, and innovation. As a specialty coatings and custom manufacturing provider serving manufacturing, construction, and industrial markets, APN delivers high-performance solutions backed by technical expertise and operational excellence. As APN continues to scale operations and strengthen its supply chain capabilities, disciplined production planning and scheduling is critical to maintaining service levels, optimizing working capital, and ensuring operational efficiency.
Position Overview
APN is seeking an Operations Planner & Scheduler to support production planning and scheduling execution within our Oshkosh manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for translating customer demand, order backlog, and forecast inputs into actionable production schedules that align materials, labor, and equipment to meet business objectives. Operating at the intersection of Operations and Supply Chain, this position ensures coordination across Production, Customer Service, Purchasing, and Inventory to meet customer commitments while optimizing throughput, minimizing disruption, and maintaining inventory balance, with direct accountability for schedule accuracy, production flow, and proactive identification of operational constraints.
Key Responsibilities
Production Planning & Schedule Execution
- Develop, maintain, and continuously optimize daily and weekly production schedules aligned with demand, capacity, and material availability
- Sequence production activities to maximize throughput, reduce downtime, and minimize changeovers
- Monitor execution against schedule and adjust in real-time to maintain production flow and delivery commitments
- Balance short-term execution priorities with overall plant efficiency and resource utilization
Demand Alignment & Order Fulfillment
- Translate customer orders, forecasts, and backlog into executable production plans
- Partner with Customer Service and Sales to align production priorities with customer commitments
- Monitor order progress and ensure adherence to promised ship dates and service levels
Material Planning & Supply Chain Coordination
- Coordinate closely with Purchasing and Inventory teams to ensure material readiness for scheduled production
- Evaluate raw material availability, lead times, and constraints to ensure schedule feasibility
- Identify, communicate, and mitigate risks related to material shortages, capacity constraints, or production delays
- Support recovery planning and contingency scheduling when disruptions occur
Cross-Functional Coordination
- Serve as the central coordination point between Production, Purchasing, Inventory, and Customer Service
- Communicate schedule changes, risks, and priorities clearly across stakeholders
- Participate in daily production and supply chain planning discussions
- Ensure all departments are operating from a consistent and accurate production plan
Systems & Data Management
- Maintain and update planning data within ERP/MRP systems (Sage 500 or equivalent)
- Ensure planning parameters such as lead times, work orders, and scheduling inputs are accurate and aligned
- Leverage system data and reporting to support planning decisions and improve schedule reliability
- Monitor production performance data and provide insights into schedule adherence and operational efficiency
Operational Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement
- Identify scheduling conflicts, bottlenecks, and inefficiencies within plant operations
- Support root cause analysis for missed schedules, production delays, or service issues
- Recommend and implement process improvements to enhance planning accuracy, production efficiency, and inventory performance
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on throughput, cost reduction, and service level improvement
Performance Expectations (First 6–12 Months)
- Establish consistent and reliable production scheduling routines aligned to plant capacity and demand variability
- Improve schedule adherence and on-time delivery performance
- Reduce production disruptions caused by material shortages or planning gaps
- Strengthen coordination across Production, Purchasing, Inventory, and Customer Service
- Increase visibility into operational risks, constraints, and performance drivers
Qualifications
Experience
- 2–5 years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or manufacturing operations
- Experience in a manufacturing environment required; coatings, chemicals, or process manufacturing preferred
- Experience working with ERP/MRP systems required
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business, or related discipline preferred
Technical & Functional Skills
- Strong understanding of production planning, scheduling, and supply chain coordination
- Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and production planning tools
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills for data analysis and planning support
- Ability to analyze demand, capacity, and inventory data to support decision-making
Core Competencies
- Production Planning & Scheduling
- Supply Chain Coordination
- Operational Execution & Throughput Optimization
- ERP / MRP Systems Utilization
- Data Analysis & Decision Making
- Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis
- Cross-Functional Communication
- Continuous Improvement
Why Join APN
A.P. Nonweiler Company, Inc. is a growth-oriented organization committed to operational excellence, continuous improvement, and long-term success. This role offers the opportunity to directly impact plant performance, production efficiency, and customer satisfaction while working closely with operations and supply chain leadership.
What We Offer
A.P. Nonweiler Company, Inc. provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the well-being of you and your family. Eligible associates have access to multiple medical plan options, dental and vision coverage, employer-paid life insurance, AD&D, and company-paid short-term and long-term disability. We also offer a Health Savings Account with employer contributions, a competitive 401(k) plan with company match, paid time off, and additional voluntary benefits.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
This role is based onsite at APN’s Oshkosh, WI facility and requires regular interaction with both office and manufacturing environments. The position involves prolonged computer use, along with occasional standing, walking, and lifting up to 25 pounds. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when entering production areas.
Equal Opportunity Employer
A.P. Nonweiler Company, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and makes employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Salary : $65,000 - $75,000