Production Planner

The Production Planner is responsible for coordinating and managing the various aspects of production. Their primary role is to develop production schedules and ensure efficient utilization of resources to meet production targets and customer demand.

• Creating production schedules: The production planner determines the quantity and timing of production based on customer orders, inventory levels, and production capacity. They create detailed schedules for each production line or department, considering factors such as raw material availability, machine capacity, and workforce availability.
• Monitoring production progress: The production planner closely monitors the progress of production activities to ensure adherence to the schedules. They track key performance indicators (KPIs), such as production output, efficiency, and quality, and take necessary actions to address any deviations or issues that may impact production timelines.
• Inventory management: A production planner maintains optimal inventory levels by coordinating with procurement and warehouse teams. They track inventory levels, forecast demand, and monitor to ensure a continuous supply of raw materials and components required for production.
• Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP): Participating in S&OP meetings to provide production insights, assess risks, and contribute to decision-making processes.
• Resource allocation: The production planner allocates resources, such as machinery, equipment, and labor, to different production tasks based on priorities and capacity constraints. They optimize resource utilization to minimize downtime, maximize productivity, and achieve production targets.
• Data Maintenance: Performing data entry, validation, and updates in relevant systems (e.g., ECC & Blue Yonder) to ensure accurate and up-to-date master data records.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams: Production planners work closely with various departments, including procurement, logistics, engineering, and quality control, to ensure smooth production operations. They coordinate with these teams to resolve any production-related issues and implement process improvements.
• Continuous improvement: Production planners actively participate in identifying opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction. They analyze production data, identify bottlenecks, and suggest and implement strategies to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve overall operational efficiency.

This role may work from any location in the Heartland territory. Click here for a list of locations.

* High School Diploma or GED required. Bachelor's Degree preferred.
* Minimum of threeyears of production planning experience.
* Previous areas of experience include Business, Logistics, and/or Planning in an ever-changing, demanding environment.
* Prior experience working with Planning systems and Procurement software.
* Strong understanding of Supply Chain activities and the related dependencies to other functions.
* Working knowledge of Inventory and Capacity management methodologies.
* Strong communication skills, including both written and verbal as well as strong presentation skills.
* Aanalytical thought process and fact-based problem solver.Must be able to manage and prioritize tasks for timely completion.
* Exceptional process improvement skills (Six Sigma & LEAN) with the proven ability to implement process changes, improving efficiency and cost savings across functions.
* Capable of driving change, cross-functionally, utilizing project management approaches and concepts.