The Production Planner/Scheduler is responsible for developing and managing production schedules to ensure timely and efficient manufacturing processes. This role involves coordinating with various departments to align production activities with customer demands, optimizing inventory levels, and resolving any production issues that arise. Key responsibilities include using ERP systems to create and maintain work orders, analyzing production data to forecast needs, and adjusting schedules based on changes in priorities or resource availability. Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills are essential for success in this role
Key Responsibilities
Reviewing sales orders, inventory levels, and delivery timelines to develop accurate production schedules.
Forecasting production needs to ensure product availability for short lead time orders.
Preparing work orders to estimate the necessary materials, equipment, and labor for production.
Quickly addressing and resolving any production issues to avoid delays.
Coordinating production activities based on the availability of materials, labor, and equipment.
Adjusting production schedules as needed to meet deadlines.
Compiling status and performance reports and submitting them to management promptly.
Utilize ERP (Axapta) systems to input and maintain work orders for scanning and manufacturing needs.
Analyze excess product reports to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
Review inventory of raw materials and ingredients to assess availability for production.
Develop production schedules that align with customer demand while accounting for labor, raw materials, and capacity constraints.
Adjust production schedules as necessary to address delays, shifting priorities, or equipment issues.
Collaborate with various departments-including Production, QA, Procurement, Warehouse, Sales, and
Shipping-to ensure compliance with Food Safety and customer requirements.
Qualifications
Experience in production planning or scheduling within a manufacturing environment.
Proficiency in ERP and MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Axapta) and inventory management software.
Strong understanding of supply chain and production processes, including materials management, capacity planning, and demand forecasting.
Knowledge of manufacturing methods and workflow optimization.
Familiarity with requirements in a food facility a plus.
Strong Computer Skills a must, especially in Excel, Word, Power BI, and Outlook.
Understanding of industry standards and compliance requirements, such as safety and quality regulations.
Ability to gather, consolidate, and utilize data from a variety of different sources.
Must have strong communication and math skills.
Skills
Analytical skills to interpret data, forecast demand, and optimize production schedules.
Attention to detail for accurate production scheduling and reporting.
Problem-solving abilities to address and resolve production issues or delays.
Time management to prioritize tasks and meet production deadlines.
Excellent communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., Production, QA, Procurement, Warehouse, Sales).
Adaptability to adjust schedules in response to unexpected changes or challenges.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel for data analysis and reporting).
Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles or Six Sigma methodologies is a plus.
Bi-lingual preferred.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment.
Must be able to work at a computer for extended periods of time.