What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Planner position at OERTZENGroup?
Our client, a leading manufacturer in the industrial sector, is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Production Planner to support operations by ensuring efficient scheduling, material flow, and production execution. This role is critical in aligning production capacity with customer demand, maintaining on-time delivery, and coordinating across multiple departments to drive operational excellence. The Production Planner will leverage ERP systems to manage production orders, balance workloads, and proactively address constraints in materials, capacity, and quality.
Key Responsibilities
• Monitor and manage production order releases, ensuring alignment with material availability and capacity requirements
• Plan, schedule, and release production orders through ERP systems to support warehouse and production execution
• Maintain and update capacity planning tools, including reviewing work order requirements and adding routing steps as needed
• Coordinate third-party services and ensure timely processing when required
• Level-load production schedules to balance daily, weekly, and monthly production demands
• Act as the liaison between Operations and Customer Service/Sales, proactively communicating potential delays impacting delivery
• Lead regular production meetings to review job status, identify risks, and drive resolution of issues
• Ensure timely execution of pre-production activities including material kitting, labeling, and outside service processing
• Coordinate with material handlers and warehouse teams to ensure on-time material availability and efficient flow to production
• Expedite material shortages with Purchasing and identify alternative sourcing solutions when necessary
• Partner with Quality Control to prioritize inspections and address delays affecting production schedules
• Process Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and ensure production uses the latest revisions and documentation
• Support continuous improvement efforts within production planning and scheduling processes
Qualifications
• Associate’s Degree preferred (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a production or manufacturing environment
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in time-sensitive conditions
• Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work independently and handle ambiguity in daily operations
• Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications
• Experience with SAP strongly preferred
Technical Requirements
• Proficiency in ERP systems for production scheduling and order management
• Strong understanding of production workflows, capacity planning, and material requirements
• Experience managing work orders, routings, and production documentation
• Ability to analyze production data and identify constraints or inefficiencies
• Familiarity with inventory control and material flow processes
Core Competencies
• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Proactive communicator with cross-functional collaboration ability
• Self-motivated and adaptable in a dynamic environment
• Problem solver with the ability to address production and material challenges
• Results-driven with a focus on meeting production and delivery targets