Production Planner

Since 1792, we've been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people's lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands - including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon - is trusted by customers around the globe. We're active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life.

Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It's what you'd expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that's dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today - while creating an even better tomorrow. Let's paint the future together.

For more information please visit  © 2024 Akzo Nobel N.V. All rights reserved.

The Senior Production Planner is responsible for coordinating short, medium, and long-term production planning activities to support customer demand, inventory optimization, and operational efficiency. This role manages production order creation and scheduling activities while ensuring alignment between Supply Chain, Production, Logistics, Customer Service, and Procurement. The Senior Planner serves as a key contributor in driving inventory management, production continuity, service performance, and continuous improvement initiatives across the site.

Location:

Waukegan, IL

• Responsible for short, medium, and long-term production planning activities across operational departments.
• Create, release, and schedule process orders to support production execution and customer demand requirements.
• Coordinate production priorities and communicate scheduling updates across Supply Chain, Logistics, Customer Service, Procurement, and Plant Operations.
• Utilize MRP and SAP planning tools to calculate, evaluate, and analyze inventory levels, raw material requirements, packaging availability, and customer demand.
• Monitor inventory levels and proactively identify supply risks, shortages, or production constraints.
• Set up and maintain new materials and planning parameters in SAP according to customer requirements, safety stock targets, and demand expectations.
• Manage and monitor planning related KPI metrics and support reporting activities.
• Support and participate in IBP processes for demand analysis, production planning, and inventory management.
• Lead weekly alignment meetings with commercial teams and site leadership to review operational and planning KPIs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on process optimization, inventory reduction/levelling, scheduling efficiency, and delivery performance.
• Partner cross-functionally to troubleshoot operational challenges and implement corrective actions.
• Participate in root cause analysis activities related to planning, scheduling, inventory, or service disruptions.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety standards, procedures, and Life Saving Rules.
• Participate in Waukegan site safety programs, audits, training, and Behavioral Based Safety initiatives.
• Actively intervene and escape unsafe conditions or behaviors in alignment with Akzo Nobel safety expectations.
• Manage workload independently while balancing multiple priorities and projects across departments.
• Escalate supplier, material, or operational risks when appropriate to support business continuity.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field preferred, or equivalent manufacturing planning experience.
• 5+ years of experience in production planning, supply chain, scheduling, or manufacturing operations.
• Experience working within SAP, MRP, or ERP planning systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret operational and…