Production Planner Job Columbia South Carolina USA,Manufacturing / Production

Location: Columbia

At Watlow's Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Columbia, Missouri
, we combine precision manufacturing with forward-thinking innovation. Part of a global thermal solutions leader founded in 1922, our Columbia facility is a critical hub for high-performance manufacturing, engineering, and operational excellence.

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We are hiring a:
Production Planner

Columbia, Missouri

The Production Planner is responsible for developing and maintaining production schedules that balance customer demand and manufacturing capacity. This individual will also ensure optimal inventory and material availability through purchase order placement and communication with external suppliers. This role partners with Manufacturing, Customer Service, Engineering, and Supply Chain to ensure on-time delivery while optimizing efficiency and supporting operational excellence.

What you'll do:

Production scheduling: Develop and maintain production schedules that balance customer demand and manufacturing capacity, reviewing forecasts, inventory, and material availability to build achievable production plans.
Schedule attainment & prioritization: Monitor schedule attainment and adjust priorities as business needs change to keep production aligned with demand.
Material & purchasing coordination: Coordinate with Purchasing to ensure material availability, and place purchase orders for raw components to support the production plan.
Cross-functional problem solving: Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Customer Service, and Quality to resolve production constraints and keep orders on track.
Systems & data management: Maintain planning data within ERP/MRP systems to ensure accurate, real-time visibility into schedules and materials.
Performance & KPI tracking: Analyze KPIs including on-time delivery, inventory, and schedule adherence to drive continuous improvement.
Communication & expediting: Facilitate clear communication and support the expedite process with both internal customers and external suppliers.
Continuous improvement: Support Lean and continuous improvement initiatives across the planning and scheduling process.

What you'll need to succeed?

Associate degree preferred, or equivalent experience
3-5 years of experience in Planning, Supply Chain, Purchasing, or Manufacturing preferred
ERP/MRP systems experience required
Advanced Excel skills
Strong analytical problem-solving and cross-functional communication skills
Customer-focused mindset

Preferred qualifications:

Oracle ERP experience
Lean experience or certification

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