Master Scheduler

The Master Scheduler oversees the plant’s overall planning and scheduling function within a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment. This role directs inventory and production planning activities, manages MRP within an ERP system, and ensures materials and finished goods are available to meet customer demand while optimizing inventory levels. The Master Scheduler plays a key role in improving scheduling tools and processes, supporting an ERP implementation, and driving inventory reduction initiatives across multiple value streams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the overall plant planning and scheduling function to support production and customer requirements.
• Direct inventory and production planning and control activities, including materials handling, inventory turnover, customer service levels, stocking decisions, forecasting, and administrative controls.
• Manage and operate MRP within an ERP system to ensure accurate and timely planning of materials and production.
• Analyze customer demand and level-load plans to properly schedule and plan production activities.
• Review and update production schedules and material requirements to align with changing demand and operational conditions.
• Analyze inventory levels and product demand to determine appropriate replenishment levels and prevent material shortages.
• Review production schedules and determine proper levels for finished goods inventories to meet service and inventory targets.
• Proactively review material supply and demand and determine appropriate actions for operations and purchasing teams.
• Lead and supervise the work of Value Stream Schedulers, either directly or indirectly, in the daily use of MRP tools and processes.
• Calculate and recalculate Kanban loops for purchased and manufactured materials to support lean material flow.
• Establish correct inventory targets for raw materials, work-in-process (WIP), and finished goods inventories.
• Analyze and direct inventory reduction programs across multiple value streams while maintaining service levels.
• Follow up on Customer Specific Requirements (CSR) as applicable and ensure planning and scheduling processes support these requirements.
• Act as a key member of the new ERP implementation team, providing planning expertise and supporting system configuration and rollout.
• Provide support as requested by leadership within the scope of planning, scheduling, and inventory management.
• Exercise limited authority within the job scope as delegated by management, ensuring alignment with company policies and objectives.
• Use computers and relevant software tools to download data, sort and filter information, and create VLOOKUP or XLOOKUP formulas and other calculations to support planning decisions.
• Develop, maintain, and manage key performance indicators (KPIs) related to inventory, finished goods, and planning performance once trained on the tools and metrics.
• Initiate action to prevent violations of company integrity policies and support a culture of ethical behavior.
• Abide by plant safety policies, comply with legal and other requirements, and follow operational controls and procedures consistent with ISO standards.
• Work toward achieving established environmental, quality, and safety objectives and targets and report or stop any activity that may be unsafe or nonconforming.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the plant.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in planning or scheduling within an automotive or manufacturing environment.
• Direct experience working with an MRP system in a manufacturing setting.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, including experience with QAD ERP or similar platforms.
• Strong planning and scheduling skills, including inventory planning, materials requirements planning, and production control.
• Ability to analyze inventory levels, product demand, and production capacity to develop effective schedules and replenishment plans.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including strong skills in Excel for downloading data, sorting and filtering, and creating VLOOKUP or XLOOKUP formulas and other calculations.
• Good clerical skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and documentation.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with operations, purchasing, and other cross-functional teams.
• Ability to supervise and guide schedulers or planning staff in the daily use of MRP tools.
• Capability to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, with reasonable accommodations available as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent years of relevant experience.
• Experience in an automotive, government, or broader manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with Plex ERP, SAP, or other ERP systems in addition to QAD.
• Experience calculating and managing Kanban loops for purchased and manufactured materials.
• Knowledge of KPI development and management for inventory, finished goods, and planning performance.
• Understanding of customer-specific requirements (CSR) and their impact on planning and scheduling.
• Experience participating in or supporting ERP implementation projects.
• Knowledge of ISO-related procedures and standards in a manufacturing setting.

This role operates in a dynamic automotive manufacturing environment focused on advanced joint sealing and heat shielding solutions. The facility manages products that must withstand increasing temperatures, pressures, and mechanical loads while meeting reduced assembly times and tighter packaging constraints. The work involves frequent interaction with production, materials, and engineering teams on the shop floor and in an office setting using ERP systems, MRP tools, and the Microsoft Office suite. The environment is fast-paced and solutions-driven, supporting vehicle, transportation, rail, machinery, and industrial markets worldwide. Employees follow established safety policies, legal and operational requirements, and procedures aligned with ISO standards, and are encouraged to report or stop any unsafe or nonconforming activities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Athens, AL.

The pay range for this position is $57000.00 - $114000.00/yr.

Medical, Dental, 401K, available upon offer

This is a fully onsite position in Athens,AL.

This position is anticipated to close on May 7, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Salary : $57,000 - $114,000