Production Planner

About LOTTE Aluminium Materials, USA

LOTTE Aluminium Materials, USA supports the production of electric vehicle batteries for the electric vehicle sector by producing cathode foil, which is a type of ultra-thin aluminum foil that is one of the main components of the electric vehicle lithium-ion battery.   As a pioneering leader for the new world, LOTTE Aluminium Materials, USA is committed to creating materials for a sustainable future.  Join our team as a new pioneer in a new world!

Job Summary:

The Production Planner is responsible for but not limited to production planning and coordinating production activities to ensure efficient operations, on-time order fulfillment, and customer satisfaction. This position serves as a key link between Production, Logistics, Warehouse, Quality, and Management by monitoring production performance, maintaining inventory accuracy, analyzing system data, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives. The Production Planner is responsible for reviewing and reconciling SAP and MES data, conducting inventory analysis, supporting cycle count activities, utilizing Power BI reporting tools, and participating in cross-functional team (CFT) meetings.

Job Responsibilities

• Plan and organize production workflow for one or multiple products.
• Review and prioritize production schedules to ensure maximum efficiency and minimum delays.
• Estimate manpower, equipment, and raw material requirements to support production demands.
• Monitor production performance and identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Review, analyze, and reconcile SAP and MES system data to ensure inventory and production transaction accuracy.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies between SAP, MES, and physical inventory records.
• Conduct cycle counts and inventory audits while maintaining inventory accuracy.
• Process and support inventory adjustments in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Analyze Power BI reports to monitor production performance, inventory accuracy, material consumption, and operational issues.
• Track production variances, material losses, yield performance, and inventory discrepancies, and communicate findings to management.
• Assist in creating status reports, production reports, KPI reports, and performance metrics for management review.
• Coordinate with Production, Quality, Warehouse, Logistics, and Maintenance departments to resolve production and inventory-related issues.
• Attend and actively participate in Cross-Functional Team (CFT) meetings; lead meetings if needed
• Support continuous improvement projects focused on inventory control, production efficiency, and data accuracy.
• Assist Logistics and Material Specialists with material handling activities as needed.
• Operate forklifts and other authorized material handling equipment in a safe manner when necessary.
• Support inventory control processes, physical inventories, and internal or external audits.
• Maintain production planning documentation, records, and reports.
• Detect and resolve operational issues as they arise.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication, teamwork, and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Power BI.
• Working knowledge of SAP and MES systems.
• Ability to analyze large data sets and identify discrepancies and trends.
• Strong inventory control and inventory reconciliation skills.
• Understanding of production planning, manufacturing processes, and material flow.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional environment.
• Safety and quality-oriented mindset.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent mathematical, logical reasoning, and data analysis skills.
• Forklift certification or ability to become certified.
• Korean language skills are a plus.
• Demonstrate prompt and regular attendance.

Education and Experience

• Minimum three (3) years of experience in Production Planning, Production Scheduling, Inventory Control, Logistics, Supply Chain, or a related manufacturing role.
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Management, Logistics, Operations Management, Accounting, or a related field preferred.
• Experience with SAP, MES, and Power BI reporting tools strongly preferred.
• Experience conducting cycle counts, inventory reconciliations, and inventory audits preferred.
• Experience in aluminum manufacturing, battery materials manufacturing, or automotive manufacturing preferred.

Physical Requirements: 

While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee will be required to: sit at a desk for prolonged periods of time and work on a computer; regularly walk and communicate.

Must be comfortable working in an industrial manufacturing environment.  Must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time, climb stairs frequently throughout each day, and do some lifting. There are times when you will need to walk through the manufacturing plant floor or walk between buildings, which includes but is not limited to walking outside, walking up and down stairs, walking across metal grates and potentially being in contact with slippery surfaces.

Benefits

Competitive wage and comprehensive benefits package: Company paid Medical, Dental and Vision premiums, PTO, paid holiday time off and 401k company contribution match.   

EEOC Statement: LOTTE Aluminium Materials USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all individuals feel valued and respected. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, disability, veteran status, hair texture or hairstyle, if that hair texture or that hairstyle is commonly associated with a particular race or national origin, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.