Facilities Maintenance Planner/Scheduler at Mars, Incorporated in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Job Description:

Job Description:

Mars Wrigley - TNN Site

Chattanooga, TN

Facilities Maintenance Planner/Scheduler

On-site day shift-based role

Purpose of Role:

The primary role of the maintenance planner/scheduler is to improve equipment reliability while minimizing conversion costs. This is accomplished through sound planning practices, which includes efficient utilization of labor, parts, materials, and outside vendor services. The planner/scheduler is responsible for the planning and scheduling of all maintenance activities performed in the area to which the planner/scheduler is assigned. The planner/ scheduler maintains liaisons and coordination between maintenance and other departments; maintains appropriate records and files to permit meaningful analysis for reporting on the effectiveness of the maintenance planning and scheduling and its impact to the business. Analyze maintenance performance and recommends actions to improve performance

Principal Accountabilities

The planner/scheduler is the principal contact and liaison person between the maintenance department and the plant departments served by maintenance. The planner/scheduler ensures the operations area, to which the planner/scheduler is assigned, receives prompt, efficient and quality service from the maintenance department. The planner/scheduler ensures the maintenance department is given the opportunity to provide this service. The planner/scheduler receives all work orders from the requesting associates, except for unplanned (breakdown) work. Unplanned work is requested of the appropriate on-shift maintenance technician.

Reviews and assures work orders are properly filled out:

Work scope clearly described

Check if the priority and requested completion dates are realistic and provide practical lead-time.

Charge numbers and other coding are complete and accurate

Authorization is proper

Discusses the details with the originator of the work order.

Assures that work requested is needed. If the business value of the request is questioned and not readily resolved, the work order will be reviewed with operations and the facilities leader. This includes generating rough cost estimates and potential cost saving estimates. Reviews with facilities leader those work orders requiring engineering design. Examines jobs to be done and determines best way to accomplish the work. Consults with requester, area lead, or facilities leader when necessary. Identifies and obtains necessary materials, work instructions, manuals, appropriate tools, etc. to execute the planned work order. Evaluate options to accomplish work to determine least cost alternatives. Planner/scheduler should have complete knowledge of each department's activities to schedule work orders effectively and efficiently in their area of responsibility. Reviews the estimate of the current day's schedule status and forecast of associate availability daily to determine if rescheduling is required. Plans and schedules preventive maintenance work in coordination with operations and maintenance managers. If work contracted to outside vendor, the planner/scheduler assures the scope and cost of the work is clearly defined, purchase orders are approved, and equipment will be available for the work performed. Additionally, the planner will assure the contractor personnel adhere to Mars contractor rules and regulations. Analyzes maintenance performance metrics such as: accuracy of work plan estimates (time, labor, and materials), percent work orders awaiting scheduling, schedule compliance, overtime, contracted maintenance costs and overdue work orders, and returned work orders in order to improve work planning. Reviews analysis and recommended corrective action with maintenance manager. Performs other tasks and special assignments as requested by the maintenance manager.

Mission Critical Competencies

Process Management Informing Functional-Technical Skills/Technical Learning Decision Quality Organizing

Key Functional Skills/Knowledge

The planner/scheduler must be proficient with in-house software, such as SAP, Word processing software, spreadsheet software, electronic mail, etc. A high level of planning and organizing skills are required to be proficient in the position. Ability to manage multiple tasks and multiple priorities simultaneously. Strong facility/utility equipment and operational knowledge are necessary. Have adequate craft knowledge to estimate labor hours and materials to visualize the job to be performed. Able to read blueprints and shop drawings. The planner/scheduler must react quickly to changes in requirements based on their understanding of priorities. Orientation and commitment to customer service. High level interpersonal skills are required to negotiate and persuade. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to create sketches to clarify work order instructions. Skills to conduct meetings. Analytical and troubleshooting skills. Ability to understand budgets, cost estimating, and value to business

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in maintenance/reliability


• 3 to 5 years of experience in a TPM/technical, manufacturing environment


• 3 years working with SAP


• Working knowledge of facility/utility equipment


• Advanced mechanical and electrical skills


• High school diploma or GED

• Working knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices


• Ability to convey communications clearly and concisely


• Understanding of major functions within the plant and the ability to work directly with all levels and functions


• Ability to work rotating shifts under stressful conditions such as heat, cold, heights, and/or confined spaces


• Have full mobility with the ability to climb ladders and stairs


• Ability to lift 50 lbs.

• 10+ years of experience in maintenance/reliability


• 7 years working with SAP


• Previous storeroom experience

• Demonstrated experience working in Quality


• Demonstrated experience working in safety.


• Ability to tolerate an ambiguous environment.


• Functional knowledge and understanding of HACCP concepts

Desired Education

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent and one of the following:

Successful completion of a certified maintenance apprentice program. Successful completion of an associate Degree program in an electrical/mechanical career field. Equivalent training/experience in a technical career field. Certified course in maintenance planning/scheduling

Decision Making Authority and Impact

• The planner/scheduler makes decisions concerning equipment maintenance; screening work orders, planning how to accomplish work orders evaluating least cost options with minimum risks to product quality, consumer safety, and associate safety; and parts procurement, and determines work priority based on the business and production associated risks


• Planner/Scheduler works with a team of associates to determine plant schedules for production and maintenance that best meets business needs.


• Following maintenance manager guidelines, the planner/scheduler determines effective utilization of vendors to perform equipment repairs.


• There are no direct reports to this position, but coordination of associates and vendors is required


• In addition, the planner/scheduler is accountable for the following:


• Maximizing production system availability; the cost of downtime could exceed $10,000 per shift.


• Planning and scheduling the maintenance for production assets, facilitating the efficient use of labor, contractor services and parts.


• Accountable for $1M maintenance budget.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 140,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.


• Join a purpose driven company, where we're striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today .


• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.


• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

Find out more about w h at Mars can offer you by visiting our Global Careers site.

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.