Production Planner I

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Albany, NY, US

13 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $55,000.00 To $66,000.00 Annually

Position

Description:

The Production Planner is an exempt position responsible for scheduling, coordinating, and expediting the flow of work and materials in alignment with production capacity, material availability, and customer delivery requirements. This role converts customer demand, forecast signals, and sales orders into executable production schedules that support revenue targets, optimize resource utilization, and ensure on-time delivery performance.

The Production Planner analyzes capacity constraints, labor availability, material lead times, and inventory levels to develop realistic and achievable build plans. By continuously monitoring work-in-process, material shortages, and schedule adherence, this role proactively identifies risks that may impact production flow and implements tactical adjustments within defined planning parameters.

Serving as a key cross-functional liaison between Production, Purchasing, Engineering, Quality, Customer Service, and Operations leadership, the Production Planner exercises independent judgment and discretion in balancing demand and supply priorities. Through data-driven decision-making and disciplined ERP/MRP system management, this role helps reduce delays, minimize excess inventory, and improve overall operational efficiency.

This position requires strong analytical capability, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while operating with a high degree of autonomy and professional discretion.

General

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain daily and weekly production schedules that align customer demand, forecast requirements, and available capacity to ensure on-time delivery and efficient resource utilization. Analyze production capacity, labor availability, equipment constraints, and material lead times to create realistic and executable build plans that support operational goals. Release, sequence, and prioritize work orders within the ERP/MRP system to optimize workflow and minimize production disruptions.
• Continuously monitor work-in-process levels, material shortages, and schedule adherence to identify potential delays or bottlenecks, and implement appropriate adjustments within defined planning parameters. Coordinate closely with Purchasing to proactively mitigate material shortages, expedite critical components, and maintain appropriate inventory levels to support production continuity.
• Communicate schedule updates, priority changes, and potential risks to Production, Engineering, Quality, and Customer Service to ensure cross-functional alignment and informed decision-making. Maintain and analyze planning metrics, including schedule attainment, on-time delivery, backlog status, and capacity utilization, and prepare reports to support operational review and performance management.
• Investigate the root causes of past‑due orders, identify process breakdowns or system gaps, and recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Ensure ERP/MRP system accuracy by maintaining disciplined transaction management, validating planning data inputs, and supporting continuous improvement of planning processes. Perform other duties as assigned in support of operational objectives.
• Level II and Level III are promotional steps only. All Production Planners are hired at Level I, although compensation may reflect prior experience and demonstrated capability. The following criteria may vary based on operational complexity, product mix, and business needs.
• To obtain a Level II title, the Production Planner must demonstrate 100% proficiency in ERP/MRP planning transactions and daily production schedule execution, including accurate work order release, sequencing, and system maintenance. The planner must demonstrate at least 75% proficiency in capacity analysis and material planning activities, maintain documented on‑time delivery and…