Production Planning Specialist

Position Summary

The Production Planner is responsible for developing and maintaining production schedules that align customer demand, inventory levels, manufacturing capacity, and material availability. This role works closely with Production, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Warehouse, Quality, and Sales teams to ensure products are manufactured and delivered on time while optimizing resources and minimizing disruptions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain daily production schedules based on customer demand, inventory requirements, production capacity, and material availability.
• Control shipments to customers by providing appropriate shipping confirmation to the Material Distribution Center (MDC)
• Monitor production progress and adjust schedules as needed to address changing priorities, material shortages, equipment constraints, or unexpected production issues.
• Analyze inventory levels, demand forecasts, orders, and production requirements to support efficient planning decisions.
• Identify potential capacity, or scheduling constraints and proactively communicate risks to the appropriate teams.
• Work closely with Production Supervisors to ensure adherence to production schedule.
• Maintain accurate planning data within the ERP/MRP system (System 21).
• Participate in production planning meetings and cross-functional teams meetings to support new models / sample builds.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business, or a related field preferred.
• 2–5 years of experience in production planning, supply chain, manufacturing, or a related environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with demand planning and forecasting.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, capacity planning, and inventory management.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement principles.
• Experience monitoring KPIs such as on-time delivery, schedule adherence, inventory turns, and production efficiency.
• Ability to identify trends, anticipate potential issues, and develop practical solutions.

Key Performance Indicators

Success in this position may be measured by:

• Production schedule adherence
• On-time delivery performance
• Inventory accuracy and inventory levels

Work Environment

This position operates in a manufacturing environment and requires regular interaction with production, warehouse, production control, quality, engineering, and other cross-functional teams. The successful candidate should be comfortable balancing office-based planning activities with time spent on the manufacturing floor.