Production Planner
Sterling Solutions is looking for a detail-oriented and organized Production Planner to oversee production scheduling and planning activities within a custom manufacturing operation. In this position, you will coordinate, release, track, and manage orders to help ensure products are manufactured efficiently, meet quality expectations, and ship according to customer timelines. This role partners closely with all internal teams to balance production capacity, material availability, and customer requirements.
The right candidate will have excellent analytical and organizational abilities, experience using ERP/MRP software (SAP preferred), and a working knowledge of production planning, inventory management, and lean manufacturing. This individual must be comfortable managing multiple priorities while maintaining accurate production data and identifying opportunities to improve scheduling efficiency and on-time delivery.
Primary Responsibilities
Coordinate production work orders from initial release through completion while ensuring accuracy and timely execution.
Create, maintain, and adjust production schedules based on customer demand, available capacity, and material supply.
Monitor work order progress within SAP, communicate committed delivery dates, and proactively identify scheduling risks.
Review demand forecasts and inventory levels to maximize production efficiency and resource utilization.
Work with Purchasing and Supply Chain teams to anticipate material needs and minimize production interruptions.
Support lean manufacturing initiatives by identifying opportunities to improve planning and workflow processes.
Prepare reports related to production status, throughput, and key operational metrics.
Provide support for Production Control leadership and Operations as business needs require.
Utilize ERP/MRP systems for production planning, forecasting, inventory control, and materials management.
Review MRP and Material Master data to ensure system accuracy and optimize planning performance.
Develop production schedules using capacity planning, lead times, and ERP data to meet customer expectations.
Balance workload across manufacturing work centers while considering customer priorities and operational requirements.
Maintain current production due dates and planning information.
Generate reports and analysis to assist operational decision-making.
Assist with inventory planning, backlog management, and product availability reviews.
Evaluate and recommend updates to lot sizing, safety stock levels, and forecasting parameters.
Coordinate with cross-functional teams regarding urgent customer orders, material shortages, or production constraints.
Partner with Engineering to ensure BOMs and routing information remain accurate.
Continuously identify and implement improvements to planning, scheduling, and inventory processes.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline preferred.
APICS/CPIM certification is a plus.
1-3 years of production planning, scheduling, or manufacturing planning experience preferred.
Technical Qualifications
Experience using ERP/MRP systems; SAP experience is strongly preferred.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and BOMs.
Professional Skills
Excellent organizational and time management skills.
Strong written and verbal communication abilities with a collaborative approach.
Effective analytical and problem-solving skills.
Familiarity with lean manufacturing concepts and inventory management best practices.
Compensation: $55,000-$64,000 annually, plus bonus opportunities.
Pay: $55,000.00 - $64,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
