Production Control Lead

Production Control Lead

The Production Control Lead is responsible for planning, coordinating, and monitoring the flow of materials and work orders throughout the manufacturing process to ensure customer orders are completed safely, on time, and within quality standards. This role develops and manages production schedules, tracks work-in-process (WIP), identifies constraints, and collaborates with cross-functional teams to optimize manufacturing performance and maximize on-time delivery.

Develop and maintain daily and weekly production schedules based on customer demand, capacity, material availability, and delivery commitments. Prioritize work orders to optimize throughput and meet customer due dates. Coordinate production activities across machining, assembly, testing, painting, and shipping. Balance workload across departments to maximize efficiency and resource utilization. Update schedules as priorities or capacity change.

Release and maintain manufacturing work orders within the ERP system. Monitor work order progress and ensure timely movement through each production stage. Verify that routers, bills of materials, drawings, and manufacturing documentation are accurate and available. Track aging work orders and expedite critical jobs as necessary.

Coordinate with Purchasing and Inventory Control to ensure materials are available before production begins. Identify material shortages and communicate risks to production leadership. Support inventory accuracy through cycle counts and transaction verification. Monitor shortages and develop recovery plans to minimize production interruptions.

Track work-in-process (WIP) throughout the facility. Monitor schedule adherence and identify production bottlenecks. Communicate daily production status, risks, and recovery plans to leadership. Maintain production dashboards and performance reports.

Work closely with Engineering regarding engineering changes and new product introductions. Coordinate with Quality to resolve issues affecting production flow. Partner with Customer Service and Sales to communicate production status and delivery expectations. Support Maintenance in scheduling equipment downtime with minimal production disruption.

Identify opportunities to improve scheduling accuracy, production flow, and inventory management. Participate in Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives. Reduce lead times and improve throughput. Support implementation of standardized planning and scheduling processes.

Maintain accurate production schedules and work order status within the ERP system. Analyze production data to identify trends and recommend improvements. Generate reports for production, inventory, on-time delivery, and capacity utilization. Ensure accurate system transactions for work order completions and inventory movements.

Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Business, or a related field preferred. Equivalent manufacturing planning experience will be considered.

Experience:

5–7 years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or production control within a manufacturing environment. Experience in valve manufacturing, machining, industrial equipment, or discrete manufacturing preferred.

Experience with ERP/MRP systems. Knowledge of manufacturing processes, inventory control, and production scheduling. Knowledge &

Skills:

Strong understanding of production planning and scheduling principles. Knowledge of machining, assembly, pressure testing, and manufacturing workflows. Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills. Strong analytical and organizational abilities. Excellent communication and coordination skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Problem-solving and decision-making skills. Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles is preferred.

The base pay range for this position is $110,+ USD. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate's experience, education, and skill set.