Scheduler, Manufacturing ​/ Production

Reports To:

Director of Operations

The Scheduler plays a critical role in ensuring our customers receive products on time while supporting efficient, cost-effective manufacturing operations. This role uses our ERP/MRP system (IQMS) to translate customer demand into achievable production schedules while collaborating closely with production, procurement, customer service, and supply chain teams. Successful schedulers combine strong analytical thinking with proactive communication. They balance customer requirements, machine capacity, inventory levels, tooling availability, and staffing needs to maintain a stable and efficient production flow while supporting the company’s operational goals.

The Scheduler is expected to proactively identify risks to production or delivery and communicate them early so the organization can respond effectively. This role contributes to a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement while supporting Viking Plastics’ commitment to quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

• Develop and maintain production schedules using the IQMS MRP system to meet customer delivery requirements.
• Analyze machine capacity, production constraints, and material availability to create realistic and achievable schedules.
• Adjust schedules as necessary based on changes in customer demand, operational issues, or supply constraints.
• Enter and maintain work orders within the ERP system.

• Maintain schedule stability by minimizing unnecessary schedule changes while still responding appropriately to customer demand and operational issues.
• Evaluate the operational impact of schedule changes, including mold changes, setup time, and labor utilization.
• Communicate schedule changes promptly to production, materials, and customer service teams to maintain alignment.

• Consider key operational constraints such as tooling availability, mold maintenance requirements, material supply, drying capacity, and secondary operations when developing production schedules.
• Work closely with the Production Manager, Tool Room, and materials team to ensure schedules reflect real operational conditions.

• Work closely with the Production Manager to align production schedules with staffing levels and operational priorities.
• Partner with Customer Service to proactively communicate potential delivery risks and ensure customers are informed in a timely manner.
• Coordinate with the Procurement Specialist and other supply chain team members to support efficient material flow and production continuity.

• Work collaboratively with the Procurement Specialist to support company goals for finished goods inventory levels, raw material availability, and overall inventory turnover.
• Monitor inventory levels and planning signals to ensure production schedules align with material availability and customer demand.
• Monitor and report key performance indicators such as on-time delivery, schedule adherence, and inventory performance.
• Identify opportunities to improve inventory flow and reduce excess or obsolete inventory.

• Create and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) and related ERP data to ensure planning accuracy.
• Maintain data integrity related to scheduling, work orders, and inventory planning within the ERP system.
• Utilize ERP reporting tools to support production planning and operational performance tracking.

• Review customer releases and demand signals for accuracy and significant changes.
• Escalate unusual demand spikes, drops, or inconsistencies to the Director of Operations and Customer Service team for review.
• Support proactive planning when demand changes occur.

• Coordinate outside processing and third-party assembly activities as required to support production schedules.

• Identify and implement improvements to scheduling methods, planning processes, and system utilization.
• Support problem-solving efforts with internal teams and supply base using structured tools such as 8D when…