What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Planner position at Kemps LLC?
We are seeking a Production Planner to join our supply chain team at our Rockford, IL plant. This role is responsible for coordinating production scheduling and inventory control activities to ensure manufacturing demands are met while maintaining appropriate levels of raw materials and supplies. The ideal candidate will play a key role in supporting efficient plant operations and on-time delivery performance.
Kemps is a farmer-owned brand of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a dairy marketing cooperative owned by more than 12,500 family farmers. Since 1914, Kemps has provided families with fresh, delicious dairy products, fresh milk, frozen yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese and frozen novelty treats. By joining Kemps, you can help us continue to make a difference that matters. We care deeply about the well-being of our neighbors and friends, and we celebrate the diversity of our company and our world. It takes an incredible team to deliver the goodness of dairy and enrich our communities – come join us!
Shift: 1st
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Forecast production needs using promotional information and past trends. Plan production accordingly to avoid uncertainties and derive maximum utility from production resources.
- Assure inventories on finished goods are maintained at a level to meet our customer service level targets.
- Schedule delivery times, considering the number of pallets to be delivered and the most efficient allocation of products to carriers.
- Check load-out sheets to verify correct delivery of product.
- Communicate relevant information, events, and problems to supervisor for accurate decision-making and problem solving.
- Confirm inventories on Raw Milk Supply and work with DFA Procurement teams to hit locations’ needs.
- Schedule outbound cream loads via Dairy.com
- Work as a liaison between plant and sales force to communicate and resolve customer service-related issues.
- Participate in sales warehouse meetings monthly. Coordinate promotional information as it pertains to production and capacity utilization.
- Responsible for physical inventory of finished produced goods as well as raw materials and packaging during period close.
- Perform all duties against a set of standards, i.e., order fill rate, finished goods inventory levels, etc. with acceptable results.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, or related field of study. Will consider 3-4 years of work experience in plant operations, inventory, or supply chain in lieu of a degree.
- Fundamental knowledge of general business administration practices, including distribution, production, and accounting.
- Experience with inventory control, including monitoring inventory levels, accurate tracking, and physical inventory counts.
- Production planning experience with short shelf-life (perishable) products is strongly preferred.
- Strong computer proficiency with Excel, JD Edwards, or other ERP experience. Experience with MPR and/or MRPII applications is a plus.
- APICS certification or other affiliated certification/training is preferred.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive Benefits Package available 1st of the month after start date
- 401(k) with company contribution
- Competitive pay
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Career growth opportunities – we promote from within!
- Service recognition and employee rewards
- Employee referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Work for dairy farm families