Production Planner

Job Title: Production Scheduler / Manufacturing Planner 

Location:  Alliance, Ohio 

Department: Operations / Manufacturing 

Reports To: Operations Management 

Position Type: Full-Time 

Pay Type: Salaried 

Shift: Day Shift 

Job Summary 

The Production Scheduler / Manufacturing Planner is responsible for planning, coordinating, and maintaining production schedules and material flow to ensure efficient operations, accurate scheduling, and on-time customer delivery. This role serves as a key liaison between production, sales/customer service, purchasing, logistics, and distribution, aligning demand with labor, equipment, and material availability. 

The position supports day-to-day scheduling execution while contributing to continuous improvement in scheduling accuracy, inventory optimization, and production efficiency. 

Key Responsibilities 

Production Scheduling & Planning 

• Develop, maintain, and adjust detailed production schedules to meet customer demand and operational capacity. 
• Integrate sales orders and forecasts into production plans, considering labor, equipment, and material availability. 
• Distribute production schedules and work orders to applicable departments. 
• Plan production timelines based on forecasts, historical trends, and current demand. 

Inventory & Material Coordination 

• Monitor raw material and finished goods inventory against current and anticipated orders. 
• Identify potential shortages or constraints and proactively communicate risks to stakeholders. 
• Coordinate with Purchasing to support timely, cost-effective procurement of raw materials and supplies. 
• Compile and maintain production, inventory, and usage data for reporting and planning purposes. 

Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Serve as a primary liaison between Production, Sales/Customer Service, Purchasing, Logistics, and Distribution. 
• Communicate schedule changes, delays, or constraints clearly and promptly. 
• Participate in forecasting, planning, and coordination meetings as required. 

Systems, Data & Continuous Improvement 

• Utilize ERP and production planning systems (MRP/MPS) to track orders, inventory, and production status. 
• Maintain accurate BOMs, routings, and production data; support improvements to scheduling accuracy. 
• Document production delays, changes, and variances affecting cost, schedule, or delivery. 
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to scheduling, inventory management, and on-time delivery. 

Compliance & Standards 

• Review documents, materials, and production data for accuracy and compliance. 
• Follow all plant rules, GMPs, food safety, and quality standards. 

Required Skills & Abilities 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively across departments. 
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. 
• Solid understanding of manufacturing operations, production scheduling, and supply chain principles. 
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills. 
• Proficiency with ERP and production planning systems (MRP/MRP II; Business Central or similar preferred). 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. 
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while collaborating as part of a team. 

Education & Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business, Engineering, or related field preferred 
• OR a combination of education and 3–5 years of relevant production scheduling or manufacturing planning experience. 
• Prior experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment strongly preferred. 
• Supply chain or production planning certifications preferred but not required. 

Physical Requirements 

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer. 
• Occasional lifting up to 15 pounds. 
• Ability to work in or around a manufacturing environment as needed. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 

Central Coated Products, Inc. and Sun America, LLC are Equal Opportunity Employers and are committed to providing equal employment opportunities in accordance with applicable laws.