What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Control Specialist position at Duke Manufacturing?
Position Summary
The Production Control Specialist manages daily production flow in a repetitive manufacturing environment. This role ensures material availability, maintains Kanban systems, and supports schedule execution in Plex to meet customer delivery commitments.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain and execute production schedules in Plex (ERP system) based on demand and capacity
- Manage Kanban systems, including card levels, triggers, and replenishment timing
- Monitor material flow and resolve shortages to prevent line disruptions
- Review backlog and align production priorities with customer demand
- Coordinate with purchasing, production, and warehouse teams to ensure material readiness
- Track and communicate risks to on-time delivery
- Support daily production meetings with clear status updates
- Identify and escalate constraints impacting flow (material, capacity, or system issues)
- Support continuous improvement of material flow and inventory levels
- Provide timely updates to customer service and customers regarding order status, risks, and schedule changes
- Communicate professionally and factually when delays or constraints arise
Qualifications
Required
- Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 2 years of experience in production control, scheduling, or material planning in a manufacturing environment
- Experience with ERP systems
- Understanding of Kanban and pull systems
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel
Preferred
- Experience with PLEX or another ERP/MRP system.
- Customer-facing experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Familiarity with CNC machining, fabrication, or precision manufacturing workflows.
Work Environment & Physical Expectations
- Split between office and shop‑floor presence (approximately 60/40)
- Regularly walks production areas to verify material status and Kanban accuracy
- Works in a precision machining and fabrication environment with exposure to noise, moving equipment, and temperature variations
- Must be able to stand, walk, and lift up to 25 lbs occasionally when verifying or moving materials
- Follows all safety protocols and PPE requirements