Production Planner

Description

This position is an onsite position in Ferndale, WA.

Samson, the worldwide leader in high-performance cordage, is seeking a Production Planner, who will be responsible for owning the detailed machine-level production plan for the Ferndale facility and translating the Production Scheduler's prioritized weekly jobs into coordinated work across twisting, winding, stranding, and braiding. The planner determines how to sequence and execute production jobs safely, accurately, and efficiently.

The Production Planner combines daily planning and production documentation with data analysis, process improvement, and practical use of artificial intelligence (AI). The planner is expected to anticipate constraints, address root causes, refine material consumption, and deliver measurable improvements in flow, scrap, and conversion cost while protecting quality and delivery. In addition, they will be responsible for practicing a high level of business ethics and professionalism while adhering to safety and quality guidelines in support of Samson strategy and core values.

Who You Are:

• You see the bigger picture of manufacturing and how capacity, utilization, routing, product mix, inventory, material consumption, yield, and conversion costs work together to drive results.
• You enjoy turning complex production needs into clear, actionable plans. You anticipate constraints, weigh tradeoffs, and confidently explain your decisions using reliable data.
• You are proficient in Microsoft Excel and comfortable organizing, reconciling, and analyzing production data. You can also navigate Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and manufacturing planning systems.
• You are a curious, hands-on learner who can to build expertise in CPS, DDX, plant equipment, product constructions, routing requirements, and setup documentation.
• You naturally look for better ways of working. You can define processes, analyze variation, uncover root causes, and turn what you learn into practical improvements and clear standard work.
• You are eager to make AI part of your everyday toolkit by testing its accuracy and finding smart, practical ways to improve planning and daily work.
• You bring structure to a fast-moving environment. You are organized, attentive to detail, and able to communicate effectively across teams while adapting to changing priorities and deadlines.
• You build productive relationships with supervisors, leads, and cross-functional partners, using sound judgment and influence to keep work moving forward.
• You put safety first and handle confidential or sensitive information with care, professionalism, and integrity.
• Comfortable working in both office and manufacturing environments. 

What You'll Do:

• Convert the Work Center Capacity Report (WCCR) into daily plans by machine and work center. Back-schedule routing steps from required completion dates and maintain current floor and SharePoint schedules.
• Coordinate first and second twisting, winding, stranding, and braiding. Synchronize core and cover production so both are ready in the required quantities when needed.
• Sequence jobs using demonstrated run times, machine capabilities, labor, material readiness, color, and creel configurations. Balance work centers and reduce changeovers, waiting, and excess work in process.
• Verify active and completed work with production leaders and operators daily. Remove completed jobs, advance ready work, and communicate changes and upcoming requirements before they disrupt production.
• Anticipate shortages, downtime, capacity constraints, and routing conflicts. Develop recovery options with production leadership and the scheduling team; align on changes that affect priorities or delivery commitments.
• Coordinate with Warehouse, Purchasing, and Production leaders to confirm material and component availability, use suitable existing inventory, and avoid unnecessary production or excess stock.
• Generate, verify, stage, and distribute CPS setup sheets and job packets ahead of machine changes. Confirm materials, machines, routes, strand counts, core and cover requirements, lengths, and quantities.
• Maintain accurate planning records, demonstrated times, CPS inputs, and setup notes. Partner with Engineering and IT to correct system errors and scan completed paperwork into DDX.
• Analyze actual versus planned consumption, yield, scrap, and overlength by product, process, and machine. Investigate excessive losses and distinguish inaccurate planning factors from production process problems.
• Refine consumption factors, planned lengths, overlength allowances, and CPS inputs using verified data and required approvals. Validate subsequent runs to reduce waste while meeting finished product requirements.
• Define and document production and planning processes through floor observation, process mapping, and data analysis. Identify bottlenecks, unclear handoffs, duplicate work, and sources of variation or waste.
• Partner with production leaders, operators, Quality, and Engineering to address root causes, test improvements, and implement approved changes. Document standard work, support training, and verify sustained results.
• Use company-approved AI tools for daily analysis, reporting, documentation, and problem solving. Use AI to develop and evaluate improvements to planning workflows, tools, and role responsibilities; verify outputs and protect confidential information.
• Monitor plan attainment, material and paperwork readiness, changeover loss, flow, scrap, overlength, labor efficiency, and conversion cost per pound. Communicate results and recommend actions supported by data. Follow Samson's safety, quality, and core values; maintain clear communication and professional working relationships.

What You Should Have:

Education:

• Required: Associate degree in Business, Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Desired: CPIM or a related planning or supply chain certification.

Experience:

• Required: At least three years of production planning experience, including at least one year planning or scheduling work center or batch manufacturing operations. 
• Desired: Lean manufacturing experience; demonstrated improvements in material yield, production flow, or planning efficiency.

What We Offer:

• We enjoy ample paid time away from the office with a starting PTO accrual of 15 days for vacation or sick leave, 10 paid holidays, a paid personal day, and paid volunteer time each year.
• We prioritize our employees' wellbeing and offer comprehensive and affordable Health, Dental and Vision insurance for employees and family. We also offer free Mental Health benefits and an optional free Wellness Plan.
• We celebrate our success as a team and offer annual profit sharing and bonus structures based on position.
• We invest in our employees' futures by offering a generous 401k match up to 6% of salary. We also offer tuition reimbursement for choosing to further your education.
• We ensure our employees are taken care of during unexpected events, offering paid bereavement leave, employer-paid life and disability insurance, and paid jury duty leave.
• We offer a paws-itive work environment and friendly well-behaved dogs are welcome to join their humans at work in the corporate office.
• All benefits are offered in accordance with our plan documents and policies.

Compensation:

The hiring range for this position is $28.00 - $32.00 per hour.

Hiring rate will depend on qualifications and experience.

Samson has established wage scales for all of our positions, which are based on a minimum and maximum. The targeted hiring rate above is set to allow for employee's growth within the role. full range for this position is $24.64 - $36.96 per hour.

About Us:

With over 140 years in the rope industry, we are focused on meeting the needs of demanding customer applications. At Samson, we're not just about developing innovative synthetic rope solutions. We also pride ourselves on providing the industry's best service. From pre-sale to installation to post-delivery follow-up, we want to ensure that we maximize customer experiences to the fullest potential through continually inventing, refining, and optimizing our products.

This is an outstanding opportunity to join a team of pioneers keenly focused on making products that not only meet but exceed expectations. That ambition is reflected in our culture of ingenuity and attention to detail. But at the end of the day, it's our people, not just our products, that make Samson a dynamic company to work for.

Samson Rope is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran). Employment is contingent on a successful background and illicit drug screen.

Salary : $25 - $37