Job Description
The Materials Analyst / Production Planner is responsible for planning, scheduling, and coordinating production and materials activities to ensure customer demand is met on time and in full. This role manages demand planning, master scheduling, production sequencing, and inventory accuracy for assigned paint lines. The position serves as a key liaison between Customers, Production, Scheduling, Maintenance, Shipping, and Materials to support schedule attainment, minimize disruptions, and maintain high delivery performance.
Roles and Responsibilities
Production Planning & Scheduling
- Develop and maintain the Master Production Schedule for assigned paint line(s).
- Sequence production to maximize flow, efficiency, and on‑time delivery.
- Level‑load schedules to achieve daily, weekly, and customer order fill‑rate targets.
- Refine schedules in collaboration with Area Managers and Production teams.
- Develop and execute recovery plans when schedule attainment is at risk.
- Communicate scheduling updates across multiple shifts.
Demand & Customer Coordination
- Interface directly with customers to review, adjust, and confirm demand requirements.
- Ensure customer demand is accurately reflected in the ERP system, including EDI data.
- Process customer drop‑ins, rush requests, and expedited orders in a timely manner.
- Provide scheduling and demand updates to Customer Service and internal stakeholders.
- Attend customer calls and production report‑out meetings as required.
- Identify schedule risks and proactively resolve issues to maintain delivery performance.
Materials & Inventory Management
- Publish Kanban signals for molded parts required from multiple plants.
- Coordinate with Production Planners at other facilities to secure materials needed to support schedules.
- Communicate material usage requirements (virgin, ready‑to‑paint, rework) to production teams.
- Monitor, perform, and reconcile cycle counts.
- Maintain inventory accuracy and support physical inventory activities.
- Audit Bills of Material (BOM) for accuracy and coordinate updates with Engineering.
Performance Monitoring & Reporting
- Monitor First‑Time Quality (FTQ) results and incorporate findings into planning decisions.
- Track reasons for schedule disruptions and report findings as required.
- Ensure scheduling system data accuracy and adherence to standard work.
- Develop, maintain, and document standard work for planning and scheduling activities.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Interface daily with Molding, Paint, Materials, Maintenance, Production, Shipping, Quality, and Management.
- Ensure customer expectations are understood and managed effectively.
- Support shipment accuracy and minimize premium freight exposure.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Skill and Education Requirements
- Associate degree in Business or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in materials planning, production scheduling, inventory control, or customer service.
- Working knowledge of integrated ERP/MRP systems; EDI experience preferred.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
- Excellent analytical and mathematical skills (counting, conversions, planning logic).
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
- APICS certification preferred but not required.
Work Environment
- Work is performed in both office and manufacturing environments.
- Exposure to plant conditions including noise, machinery, airborne particles, fumes, and temperature variation.
- Standard schedule is typically Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with occasional Saturday work.
- Occasional travel may be required for customer meetings.
- PPE required in designated production areas.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Authority
- Authority to develop and adjust production schedules within assigned scope.
- Authority to coordinate materials and inventory activities supporting schedule execution.
- Authority to communicate customer and production requirements across departments.
- Authority to initiate recovery plans and escalate schedule risks as needed.
- Authority to recommend improvements to planning, inventory, and scheduling processes.
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Will you require employment sponsorship now or in the future?
Education:
Experience:
- Production planning: 2 years (Required)
- ERP systems: 2 years (Required)
- EDI: 1 year (Required)
- Microsoft Office: 1 year (Required)
Work Location: In person
