Production Planner

Job Title: Production Planner
Job Description

The Production Planner develops, maintains, and optimizes production schedules to meet customer demand while maximizing operational efficiency. This role aligns production capacity, inventory, and materials to ensure on-time delivery and streamlined manufacturing processes. The position offers a high-impact opportunity to influence production efficiency and delivery performance within a collaborative, cross-functional environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and monitor production schedules based on customer requirements.
• Analyze demand and plan capacity to ensure on-time delivery and efficient use of resources.
• Collaborate closely with procurement, inventory, logistics, and production teams to align materials and capacity with demand.
• Utilize ERP systems (such as IFS, SAP, or Oracle) to manage production planning and material flow.
• Use MRP functionality to align inventory levels with production schedules and customer needs.
• Track and analyze production KPIs to monitor performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing principles to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and streamline processes.
• Troubleshoot scheduling issues and material flow constraints to minimize delays and production downtime.
• Analyze production data to identify trends, risks, and bottlenecks, and recommend operational improvements.
• Support and participate in ERP implementation and continuous improvement initiatives related to planning and material management.
• Maintain accurate planning data in ERP and related databases, including bills of material, routings, and lead times.
• Communicate production schedules, changes, and risks effectively to operations, supply chain, and leadership teams.
• Develop accurate and achievable production schedules that improve on-time delivery and reduce scheduling disruptions.
• Work on projects related to production planning, capacity planning, and process optimization as needed.

Essential Skills

• 2–5+ years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or supply chain roles.
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience building and managing production schedules based on customer demand.
• Strong use of ERP systems (IFS strongly preferred; SAP, Oracle, or similar also applicable) for planning and material flow.
• Experience with MRP systems and aligning inventory with production requirements.
• Experience with inventory management and forecasting.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
• Comfort with tracking KPIs and optimizing production output through data analysis.
• Strong analytical skills with advanced proficiency in Excel and database tools.
• Ability to collaborate across production, procurement, inventory, logistics, and leadership teams.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with IFS ERP is highly preferred.
• Experience with master scheduling software and production planning tools.
• Background in ERP implementation or optimization projects.
• Project management experience related to production or supply chain initiatives.
• Professional certifications such as APICS, CPIM, Six Sigma, or Lean Certification are beneficial.
• Experience working with logistics functions alongside production planning.
• Comfort working with continuous improvement methodologies and cross-functional teams.

Work Environment

This role is based in an onsite manufacturing environment within a fast-paced, team-oriented setting. The position follows a stable first-shift schedule, typically between 7/8 AM and 5/6 PM, Monday through Friday, supporting strong work-life balance. You will work closely with operations, supply chain, and leadership teams on a regular basis, with frequent collaboration on production schedules, capacity planning, and process improvements. The organization offers access to an on-site clinic providing free healthcare, and you will gain exposure to IFS ERP systems and ongoing continuous improvement initiatives in a modern manufacturing facility.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bluffton, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $33.65 - $33.65/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Bluffton,OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 7, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.