Production Planning Associate Job Walnut area,California USA,Manufacturing / Production

The Production Planning Associate will be the critical link between customer demand and operational execution. You will be responsible for developing and maintaining production schedules that maximize efficiency, meet customer fulfillment targets, and minimize waste. This role requires a unique blend of technical data analysis and "shop‑floor" collaboration. You must understand the mechanics of how a product is made, the constraints of food safety/sanitation, and the logistical complexities of third‑party fulfillment.

Key Responsibilities

Production Scheduling & Fulfillment

Develop and execute weekly and daily production schedules for multiple lines, balancing labor availability, machine capacity, and material readiness.
Monitor “Order‑to‑Ship” cycles to ensure 100% on‑time fulfillment for third‑party clients and retail partners.
Manage the transition between different product runs, accounting for allergen washdowns and sanitation cycles (specific to food manufacturing).
Adjust schedules in real‑time to account for equipment downtime, labor shortages, or urgent “hot” orders.

Technical Systems & Data Management

Serve as the “Power User” for the ERP/MRP system (e.g., SAP, Net Suite, or Microsoft Dynamics and homegrown systems), ensuring data integrity for BOMs (Bills of Materials) and inventory levels.
Analyze historical data to identify trends in production yields and fulfillment lags, using these insights to improve scheduling accuracy.
Automate reporting for Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), Schedule Attainment, and Scrap Rates.

Cross‑Functional Operations Collaboration

Act as the primary liaison between the Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams.
Lead daily “Production Kick‑off” meetings to communicate the plan to floor supervisors and troubleshoot potential bottlenecks.
Work closely with Procurement to ensure raw ingredients and packaging materials are staged and ready for production, preventing “stock‑outs” that stall fulfillment.

Process Improvement & Lean Initiatives

Identify opportunities to reduce “Changeover Time” (SMED) and improve throughput using Lean methodologies.
Partner with Engineering to optimize line layouts for new product launches or packaging configurations.

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related technical field.
Professional

Experience:

2–5 years of experience in a production planning or fulfillment role within a manufacturing environment.
Industry Knowledge: Direct experience in Food & Beverage Manufacturing (understanding SQF, BRC, or FDA regulations) or 3PL/Contract Manufacturing is highly preferred.
Technical

Skills:

* Advanced proficiency in Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs, Data Modeling).
- Hands‑on experience with ERP/MRP software.
- Strong understanding of “Flow” (the physical movement of goods through a plant).

Desired Qualifications & Competencies

Certifications: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Yellow Belt (preferred).
Communication: Ability to translate complex data into actionable instructions for shop‑floor personnel.
Problem Solving: A “Technical Mindset” with the ability to troubleshoot mechanical constraints that affect the production schedule.
Agility: Comfort working in a high‑pressure environment where schedules change rapidly due to client demands or supply chain disruptions.

Details of Position & Benefits

Salary range: $80,000 - $85,000
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k)
Annual Misfits grocery box credit of $1,200 paid in weekly installments
Life insurance
Paid vacation time
Paid holidays
Paid sick days
Commuter benefits

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