Production Planner

Title: Production Planner / Scheduler (Chemical Manufacturing)

Location: Charlotte, NC

Summary:

Reporting directly to the Global Supply Chain Planning function, the Production Planner/Scheduler is responsible for ensuring the efficient and timely production of products through the effective use of an ERP/MRP system. This role plans, schedules, tracks, and optimizes production activities while supporting end-to-end production and supply chain visibility. The position plays a key role in driving operational excellence, inventory optimization, and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities:

Production Planning

• Develop and maintain short- and long-term production schedules within the MRP system to support the Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning (S&OP) process over a 24-month horizon.
• Adjust schedules based on demand changes, inventory levels, and supply disruptions to ensure on-time production with minimal downtime.
• Manage planned production orders, including firming and consolidating production requirements.

Inventory Management

• Monitor raw materials, work-in-process (WIP), and finished goods inventory levels through the ERP system.
• Partner with inventory management to maintain optimal inventory levels through analysis of sales trends, usage patterns, and safety stock requirements.
• Collaborate with procurement to ensure raw material availability and assist with supplier forecasting.

Demand Forecasting

• Utilize planning parameters such as lead times, batch sizes, and production cycle times to develop supply plans that align with demand forecasts and inventory objectives.

Resource Allocation

• Coordinate raw materials, equipment, labor, and production resources to support manufacturing schedules and maximize efficiency.

Production Optimization

• Work closely with production and engineering teams to identify opportunities for improved productivity, reduced costs, enhanced quality, and better throughput.
• Analyze MRP-generated data to identify bottlenecks, delays, and process improvement opportunities.

KPI Development & Reporting

• Monitor and report key performance indicators such as schedule adherence, asset utilization, and production delays affecting customer orders.

Supply Chain Coordination

• Track raw materials and purchased finished goods to ensure timely replenishment and uninterrupted production.
• Monitor lead times, purchase orders, and supplier delivery schedules to minimize downtime.

Order Management

• Review incoming customer orders against available inventory, planned production, and transfer orders.
• Confirm delivery commitments based on system availability and communicate realistic timelines to internal stakeholders.
• Coordinate revised shipment schedules when product availability impacts requested delivery dates.

Quality Coordination

• Partner with quality teams to ensure timely product release and support customer delivery requirements.

Qualifications:

Required Skills & Abilities:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Effective time management and prioritization skills.
• Ability to collaborate across departments and work independently.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP systems.
• Ability to identify issues, troubleshoot problems, and implement solutions.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, Operations, Logistics, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of production planning, scheduling, supply chain, or manufacturing operations experience.
• Experience within a chemical manufacturing, batch manufacturing, process manufacturing, or similar industrial environment.
• Experience working cross-functionally with sales, customer service, procurement, production, and operations teams.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, inventory control, material planning, and supply chain management.
• Strong mathematical and analytical capabilities.
• Experience utilizing ERP/MRP systems for production scheduling, inventory planning, reporting, and material planning. Experience with Microsoft Dynamics is highly preferred.

Work Environment:

• Primarily office-based role with regular computer usage throughout the workday.
• Approximately 10% domestic travel.
• Position based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Our client is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees.