Production Planner

Position Summary

Ensures performance to the master production schedule to achieve division objectives for customer service, inventory levels, and configuration management. Plans, prepares, issues, and controls moderately complex and/or diverse production schedules and material requirements to ensure a controlled flow of approved materials timed to meet production requirements.

• Identifies a variety of raw material and component requirements for production from engineering and production specifications and schedules of moderate scope and complexity. Ensures accurate item master file and bill of material.
• Advises management of the status of work in progress, material availability, and potential production problems to ensure that personnel, equipment, materials, and services are provided as needed. Recommends changes to improve the planning process for assigned products.
• Evaluates and confirms materials supply is available to meet demand. Prepares work orders or purchase requests for the production or purchase of components or parts to support a master production schedule, shop load, and inventory requirements. Coordinates material movements between internal work and storage areas and/or outside processing or suppliers to ensure materials are available when needed.
• Schedules and expedites the movement of parts by means of move orders and/or stock transfers to meet customer shipping dates.
• Analyzes inventory usage, scrap, and waste, and recommends any appropriate actions to minimize loss, reduce inventory, and/or increase inventory turnover that would support inventory level objectives.
• Advises and assists management in resolving problems concerning over shipments, shortages, engineering changes, and cancellation of orders.
• Coordinates cross‑functional activities with Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Engineering, Inventory Control, Shipping and Receiving, and Contract Administration to ensure a smooth flow of materials through the production process and consistent information about status and priorities.
• Maintains configuration control on all open orders and appropriate data files as required by division policies and procedures.
• Applies continuous improvement techniques and methods to internal processes and systems to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing technical or trade publications, establishing networks, and/or participating in professional associations.
• Shares specialized knowledge with others. Represents company on specific projects. Work assignments may include cross‑functional or project team responsibilities (e.g., continuous improvement).

• Bachelor’s degree (BA) in Business Administration or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides both theoretical and practical knowledge in the field.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the essential functions of the job typically acquired through two or more years of related experience. APICS certificate preferred.
• Knowledge of manufacturing resources planning theories, principles, and industry practices.
• Proficient in standard business application software, manufacturing resource planning systems, and interface operations.
• Effectively apply continuous improvement methods to the planning function (e.g. pull systems, process mapping, JIT) and related areas.
• Knowledge of legal, regulatory and internal policy requirements related to production control.
• Ability to work on a variety of problems of moderate scope and complexity where analysis of the situation or data requires thorough identification of factors and analysis of impact.
• Work within general work objectives regarding projects and team goals.
• Effectively communicate and present information to team members, team leaders, and top management.
• Respond to significant inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
• Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Demonstrate team member competencies and participate in goal‑setting, performance feedback, and…