What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Planning Supervisor position at Trelleborg?
Summary of role:
The Production Planning Supervisor is responsible for leading and actively participating in the production planning function while providing support and direction to the Customer Service team. This position serves as a working supervisor, directly managing a portion of the planning workload, developing and maintaining accurate routings, balancing daily operational workloads, and ensuring efficient execution of planning activities. The role is expected to continuously evaluate business processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and lead the implementation of solutions that enhance operational efficiency, scalability, and service performance.
Tasks and responsibilities:
- Production Planning & Operational Leadership
- Personally manage a portion of the daily planning workload while supervising the overall planning function.
- Develop and maintain daily and weekly workload plans to support warehouse and operational execution.
- Create, review, and maintain routings to ensure operational accuracy, efficiency, and consistency.
- Serve as the primary resource and escalation point for production planning activities.
- Ensure effective prioritization of workloads based on customer demand, capacity constraints, and operational requirements.
- Work directly with warehouse leadership to balance workload, optimize resources, and address bottlenecks.
- Maintain a hands-on understanding of all planning processes and provide direct operational support as business needs require.
- Process Ownership & Continuous Improvement
- Review existing planning, operational, and customer service processes to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Develop improvement plans that enhance productivity, quality, accuracy, service levels, and operational scalability.
- Lead the implementation of process improvements from concept through deployment and sustainment.
- Develop and maintain standardized work instructions, routing templates, and planning procedures.
- Utilize data analysis and operational metrics to prioritize and measure improvement initiatives.
- Champion automation and system enhancements that reduce manual effort and improve planning effectiveness.
- Partner with operations and cross-functional teams to implement long-term process improvements.
- Customer Service Support & Leadership
- Provide leadership, coaching, and support to the Customer Service team.
- Ensure adherence to established customer service processes and standards.
- Assist with escalated customer concerns, delivery issues, and operational service impacts.
- Support cross-functional coordination between Customer Service, Planning, Operations, Procurement, and Logistics.
Competencies:
- Strong understanding of operational workflows and manufacturing or warehouse processes.
- Demonstrated ability to manage workload planning and scheduling activities.
- Experience creating, maintaining, and improving routings and standard work processes.
- Proven ability to identify process improvement opportunities and successfully implement solutions.
- Hands-on leadership style with the ability to balance supervisory responsibilities and operational execution.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, project management, and continuous improvement skills.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field strongly preferred.
- Equivalent combination of education and relevant operational experience considered.
- 5 years of experience in manufacturing, supply chain, warehouse operations, production planning, or related operational environment.
- 3 years of experience in workload planning, production scheduling, capacity planning, or operational coordination.
- Prior supervisory or team leadership experience preferred.
- Experience developing, maintaining, or improving routings, workflows, work instructions, or standard operating procedures strongly preferred.
- Experience leading process improvement or continuous improvement initiatives.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel including data analysis, reporting, and planning tools.
- Experience utilizing ERP systems to manage production planning, inventory, routings, and operational workflows.
- Project management experience preferred.
As an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran or disability status.
This position requires the use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. Green Card Holder), Political Asylee or Refugee.