Production Planner

This role is working for a global specialty chemical company with headquarters in the US. They are committed to safeguarding the environment, maintaining safety in the workplace, and promoting sustainable development. Their focus on delivering exceptional service and innovative solutions to our customers globally in the pulp and paper, leather, and water treatment sectors to help boost productivity, reduce risk, improve product quality, and provide a measurable return on investment.

Position Summary

Ensure timely availability of chemical products for shipment by planning and preparing production schedules that optimize raw material, WIP, and finished goods inventory. This role supports customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and inventory accuracy through strategic planning and cross-functional collaboration

Key Outcomes/Responsibilities

Production schedules consistently meet customer demand and operational capacity.

Actions:

• Collaborate with IP&C, Customer Service, Product Managers, and Production to evaluate demand signals.
• Analyze plant capacity and constraints to generate medium-range production plans.
• Maintain accurate projections of process vessel occupancy and future capacity needs.
• Use planning systems to generate raw material requirements and communicate needs to Procurement.

Maximize asset utilization while ensuring timely product availability.

Actions:

• Expedite and adjust schedules to address unforeseen delays or changes.
• Schedule compatible batches to reduce cleanout time and support sustainability goals.
• Coordinate experimental and developmental batch scheduling with stakeholders.
• Respond to customer inquiries with accurate ship dates and adjust schedules accordingly.
• Balance packaging operations with production priorities and warehouse needs.
• Advise on optimal timing for planned maintenance outages.

Maintain optimal raw materials, WIP, and finished goods inventory levels.

Actions:

• Project and order core raw materials within budget limits.
• Monitor short-term inventory and adjust delivery schedules as needed.
• Communicate inventory needs and shortages to Procurement.
• Expedite inbound deliveries to meet production timelines.
• Mitigate risks from long lead-time materials.
• Coordinate raw material cycle counts and rework of off-spec materials.
• Analyze bulk tank utilization and recommend optimal allocations.

Ensure planning systems are accurate and effectively utilized

Actions:

• Assist with ERP system configuration, testing, and training.
• Maintain accuracy of production models and resource projections in planning systems.

Contribute to a culture of operational excellence and innovation

Actions:

• Act as a liaison between Planning, Procurement, Production, and Warehousing
• Share actionable insights during daily meetings to guide purchasing and production decisions
• Generate and distribute KPI reports related to supply chain and planning
• Communicating raw material needs and shortage to Procurement.
• Monitor inbound deliveries and expedite resolution of delays.
• Mitigating risks associated with long lead-time materials.

Basic Qualifications

• Education Requirements: High School Diploma or equivalent
• Job Experience: 4-6 years ideally
• Proficiency in MRP systems (SAP preferred) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong analytical and communication and systems proficiency; ability to work cross-functionally and adapt to changing priorities.

Competencies

• Drives Results - Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances
• Communicates Effectively - Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences
• Persuades - Using compelling arguments to gain the support and commitment of others
• Decision Quality - Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward
• Customer Focus - Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions