Production Planner & Raw Material Inventory Specialist (End Plant)

Brief Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Our Waco, TX facility manufactures aluminum ends/lids for beverage cans commonly used for soft drinks, beers, energy drinks, teas and non-carbonated beverages. Using state of the art end-making technology, this high-speed environment provides rewarding manufacturing opportunities.

We are seeking a highly analytical and process-oriented Production Planner & Raw Material Inventory Specialist to optimize the flow of materials and finished goods within our high-volume Aluminum End Plant. This role is responsible for developing, executing, and maintaining the Master Production Schedule (MPS) while providing rigorous oversight of raw material inventory. The specialist ensures that high-value assets—primarily aluminum coils and sealing compounds—are accurately tracked, systematically controlled, and strategically phased into production to meet customer delivery commitments. This role balances complex data-driven planning with the physical accountability of receiving raw materials.

Essential Job Functions

MASTER PRODUCTION SCHEDULING (MPS)

• Develop and maintain the Master Production Schedule (MPS) for all manufacturing lines, translating sales forecasts and firm customer orders into a feasible production plan over a rolling 13-week window.
• Monitor production capacity (line hours, tooling availability) and identify potential bottlenecks or underutilized resources, proposing schedule adjustments to the Production Manager.
• Rapidly adjust the production schedule in response to unplanned events, such as machine downtime, urgent quality holds, or sudden changes in customer orders.
• Participate in the daily cross-functional production meeting, communicating the schedule priorities, material risks, and delivery status to Production, Quality, Sales, and Logistics teams.
  
  

INVENTORY MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL

• Work closely with Procurement to ensure timely ordering and delivery of critical raw materials, primarily aluminum coil and sealing compound, based on the production schedule demands.
• Monitor material inventory levels (raw, WIP, finished goods) to minimize stock-outs and excess holding costs, managing material shelf-life risks (especially for compounds).
• Track and report on raw material yield and scrap variance, identifying trends that impact material availability or financial performance.
• Manage and reconcile raw material and finished goods inventory, ensuring accuracy between physical stock and the ERP system (e.g., SAP).
• Establish and audit safety stock levels for key raw material and finished products and critical components based on lead times and demand variability.
  
  

DATA ANALYSIS AND IMPROVEMENT

• Analyze historical production trends and performance metrics (e.g., adherence to schedule, scrap variance) to improve forecast accuracy and scheduling efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvement in planning processes and utilize ERP system capabilities to maximize efficiency.
  
  

Requirements

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Preferred – A Technical degree or the equivalent experience, defined as greater than 4 years of experience in a technical manufacturing continuous improvement environment.
• Preferred – 3 years of experience in Production Planning, or advanced inventory control in high-speed automated machinery, preferably in metal forming, packaging, or can manufacturing industry.
• Preferred – Direct experience planning and scheduling constrained manufacturing resources (e.g., stamping, packaging, or coil processing).
• Preferred – Strong working knowledge of MRP/ERP systems (e.g., SAP).
• Required – Must be able to obtain a forklift operator certification (internal).
• Required – High School Diploma or GED Equivalent.
  
  

General Skills/Experience

• Aptitude in spatial reasoning, attention to detail, and skilled craftsmanship.
• Mechanical aptitude and experience (work with machines and general tooling).
• Skilled in hand and power tool usage.
• Ability to operate heavy machinery.
• Ability to follow proper safety procedures.
• Use of precision measuring instruments.
• Working knowledge of all automation standard practices.
• Proactive and takes ownership to resolve problems and issues.
• Ability to work with employees from many different cultures and backgrounds.
• Strong organizational and planning skills and housekeeping standards.
• Ability to plan and execute major tasks.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written), including the ability to interact well with vendors, team members, staff, contractors, and others.
• Willing to participate in meetings and work with all teams.
• Demonstrate and initiate safe work practices.
• Self-starter, capable of self-supervision and willing to accept a variety of assignments.
• Ability to identify and implement process improvements or efficiencies leading to cost reductions.
• Strives to enhance the overall knowledge and performance level of self and others.
• A demonstrated experience where quick-thinking and problem solving plays a critical role.
  
  

Software/Computer Skills & Experience

• General knowledge of basic hardware and software and uses of a variety of different computer operating systems such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Google Workspace and web-site software.
  
  

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Management maintains the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Environmental & Physical Factors

The physical demands and work environment described below represent the activities and surroundings of the position(s). Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Works primarily in a warehouse/manufacturing facility. Daily contact with other departmental personnel. Occasionally works in all weather conditions, extreme temperatures, around chemicals and chemical fumes/emissions, dusty & clean environments. Frequently works with electrical and mechanical hazards. When working with surplus and scrap materials, will frequently be required to work outside and/or in an unaired conditioned warehouse. Continuous use of vision, hearing and speech. Frequent sitting, standing, walking and occasional bending. Will lift, carry, pull / push, and reach for supplies and on occasion lifting (up to 50 lbs.) while performing various aspects of the job. Will need to climb stairs, climb ladders, lift and move objects, requires manual dexterity and repetitive use of keyboard/computer devices/power tools/machining equipment; Wear safety equipment, such as earplugs, goggles, and steel-toed shoes.

Hours / Special Conditions

This position is primarily day shift, Monday through Friday. Must be present to fulfill job duties and meet operational demands/support. Schedules may vary depending on plant operational needs; flexibility is required, which may include long days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position.

Envases Commerce, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.