Production Planner

Position Summary

The Production Planner is responsible for developing, maintaining, and adjusting production schedules to meet customer demand and ensure efficient utilization of resources. This role requires close coordination with Customer Service, Operations, Production, Purchasing, Logistics, and Engineering to align planning with business objectives. The Production Planner monitors material availability, prioritizes work orders, and ensures customer deadlines are met while maintaining accurate records and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain production plans that align with customer demand, ensuring efficient utilization of resources.
• Monitor order status and immediately notify management if customer deadlines cannot be met.
• Ensure all order-related documentation is accurate, complete, and in compliance with company standards.
• Schedule and release work orders for production start and ensure timely delivery of components to production.
• Establish and adjust production priorities based on efficiency, material availability, and customer demand.
• Track released work orders and update priorities as needed to meet production schedules.
• Communicate regularly with the Customer Service Manager, Operations Manager, Production Manager, and Purchasing to coordinate production needs and material availability.
• Collaborate with Logistics to manage outsourced shipments and delivery schedules.
• Lead daily meetings with Customer Service and Production teams to review and adjust for changes in customer demand and production requirements.
• Confer with engineering, technical, manufacturing, quality personnel, and suppliers to resolve issues and support production activities.
• Use computer systems to enter, access, and retrieve data related to production planning, scheduling, and order management.
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate the procurement of materials and supplies to support production schedules.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and files related to production planning and scheduling.
• Review documents for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with established standards.
• Provide training and support to others on production planning processes and tools.
• Foster and maintain effective working relationships through clear written and verbal communication.
• Report any environmental risks or hazards in the workplace in compliance with company policies.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, and techniques for the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
• Knowledge of production methods and the coordination of people and resources.
• Strong mathematical skills with the ability to apply math to solve work-related problems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with clerical procedures such as managing files and records.
• Knowledge of customer service principles, including meeting quality standards for customer satisfaction.
• Ability to analyze and apply new information to current and future planning.
• Active listening skills, including giving full attention to others, asking clarifying questions, and responding appropriately.
• Critical thinking skills to evaluate options, identify strengths and weaknesses, and develop effective solutions.
• Strong reading comprehension skills for understanding work-related documents.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, tailored to diverse audiences.
• Ability to monitor and assess performance of self and others to identify areas for improvement and take corrective action.
• Ability to use logic, reasoning, and scientific methods to solve problems.
• Ability to select and apply appropriate training or instructional methods when learning or teaching new processes.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English sufficiently to follow safety procedures, work instructions, and communicate effectively with supervisors and team members.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field preferred; equivalent work experience will be considered.
• 3 years of production planning, scheduling, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing concepts is a plus.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in both an office setting (environmentally controlled) and a production facility (not environmentally controlled).
• Must be able to concentrate and remain focused in an open office environment with potential distractions.
• Regular exposure to production floor conditions, including potential contaminants, noise levels that may be distracting or uncomfortable, and temperature fluctuations or extremes.
• Occasional exposure to hazardous conditions when on the production floor.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time while performing administrative tasks.
• Ability to walk the production floor regularly to monitor and coordinate activities.
• Frequent use of hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repetitive motions may be required while completing job tasks.