Position Summary
We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Manufacturing Planner to coordinate production schedules, material requirements, and manufacturing priorities to support customer demand and efficient plant operations.
The Manufacturing Planner works closely with Production, Purchasing, Inventory, Engineering, Quality, Customer Service, and other departments to ensure materials and capacity are available when needed. This position plays a key role in balancing customer requirements, inventory levels, equipment capacity, labor availability, and changing production priorities.
The ideal candidate is comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, solving scheduling challenges, analyzing ERP/MRP information, and communicating effectively across departments.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, maintain, and communicate daily and weekly production schedules based on customer demand, available capacity, material availability, and inventory requirements.
- Review ERP/MRP requirements and convert demand into actionable production plans and work orders.
- Monitor material availability and identify shortages that could affect production schedules or customer deliveries.
- Coordinate with Purchasing and suppliers, as appropriate, regarding material requirements and anticipated shortages.
- Work closely with Production leadership to adjust schedules based on equipment availability, staffing, quality issues, material constraints, and changing customer priorities.
- Monitor work-in-process and finished-goods inventory to support production and customer requirements while minimizing excess inventory.
- Review open orders, production status, and due dates to identify potential delivery risks.
- Communicate scheduling conflicts, shortages, and potential customer-delivery issues to appropriate stakeholders in a timely manner.
- Maintain accurate planning parameters, production dates, and related information within the ERP/MRP system.
- Analyze capacity, lead times, inventory levels, and production performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Participate in production meetings and provide clear updates regarding schedules, constraints, and priorities.
- Coordinate with Engineering and Quality regarding new products, revisions, deviations, or other changes that may affect production planning.
- Support cycle counting, inventory accuracy, and other inventory-control activities as needed.
- Assist with continuous-improvement initiatives related to scheduling, inventory, lead times, workflow, and on-time delivery.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- [2–5] years of experience in production planning, scheduling, materials, inventory control, or a related manufacturing role.
- Experience working with SAP.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively to changing production requirements.
- Strong Microsoft Excel and general computer skills.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with employees at all levels of the organization.
Preferred:
- Associate's or bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience in automotive machining.
- APICS/ASCM certification or related supply-chain training.
- Experience with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or similar manufacturing methodologies.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production scheduling, and material flow.
- Ability to interpret MRP recommendations, inventory information, production capacity, and customer demand.
- Sound judgment when balancing competing production priorities.
- Attention to detail and a high degree of data accuracy.
- Ability to identify potential problems early and communicate appropriate corrective actions.
- Ability to build effective working relationships across Production, Purchasing, Quality, Engineering, and Customer Service.
- Ability to remain organized and effective in a deadline-driven manufacturing environment.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
This position primarily performs planning and administrative work but requires regular interaction with the manufacturing floor.
The employee may periodically be required to stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout the facility. The employee may be exposed to typical manufacturing conditions, including machinery, noise, temperature variations, and other production-related conditions. Required personal protective equipment must be worn when entering designated production areas.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Schedule
Typical schedule is Monday–Friday. Additional or adjusted hours may occasionally be required based on production demands, inventory activities, customer requirements, or other business needs.
Pay: $60,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
