What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Scheduler/Material Planner position at DUTCHLAND INC?
Position Objectives:
- Develop, maintain, and optimize production schedules for precast concrete products to ensure on-time delivery, efficient use of labor, molds, materials, and equipment, and smooth coordination between engineering, production, and shipping for both the Rock Hill, SC and Gap, PA locations with the support of the Director of Manufacturing and Plant Managers.
- Balancing project priorities, plant capacity, and customer commitments in a made-to-order manufacturing environment.
- Oversee standard operating procedures (SOP), KPIs, continuous improvement, and support time tracking and allocation.
- Act as the administrator of all EHS reporting for the Rock Hill, SC location.
Position Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain detailed short- and long-term production schedules for precast elements with the guidance and support of the Plant Managers and Director of Manufacturing.
- Sequence work orders based on mold availability, curing times, labor, equipment, and delivery deadlines.
- Adjust schedules dynamically in response to design changes, material delays, equipment issues, or labor constraints.
- Optimize mold usage and bed utilization to maximize plant throughput.
- Serve as the primary link between Engineering, Sales/Estimating, Production, Quality, and Logistics as it relates to fabrication scheduling.
- Participate in project kickoff meetings and production planning meetings.
- Communicate schedule changes and production priorities clearly to plant management.
- Coordinate with dispatch/shipping to align production with delivery schedules and erection sequences.
- Forecast labor, mold, and equipment needs based on upcoming workload.
- Identify capacity bottlenecks and propose solutions such as overtime, rescheduling, or subcontracting.
- Balance competing project demands while maintaining overall plant efficiency.
- Monitor material constraints that could impact production schedules.
- Track KPIs such as on-time delivery, schedule adherence, mold utilization, and production throughput.
- Analyze variances between planned and actual production.
- Develop, document, and train SOP and maintain them as they may change from time to time.
- Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives related to workflow, scheduling, and plant efficiency.
- Support as needed production management in time tracking and allocations.
- Maintain production data in ERP system and scheduling tools.
- Ensure accurate work orders, production reports, and schedule documentation.
- Serve as the ESH administrator for all reporting for the Rock Hill location under the direction of the Safety Manager.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Construction Management, Manufacturing, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
- At least 3 years of experience in production planning/scheduling, preferably in precast concrete products.
- Experience in make-to-order or project-based manufacturing environments with precast concrete experience strongly preferred.
- Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and scheduling software.
- Advanced Excel skills; experience with production dashboards and reporting tools.
- Ability to read and interpret shop drawings and production tickets.
- Excellent organizational and prioritization skills in a fast-changing environment.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Effective communicator across operations, engineering, and management.
- Data-driven mindset with continuous improvement orientation.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma principles.
- Ability to work in a combination of office and production floors.
- Must be able to work in an industrial manufacturing environment and collaborate closely with plant operations.