Scheduler/Production Planning

Job Description:\n\n Job Title: Scheduler Department: Scheduling/Production Planning Reports to: General Manager Location: Sturtevant, WI Position Summary: The Scheduler is responsible for translating the plant's order book into a daily production schedule that maximizes corrugator utilization, minimizes setup churn, and delivers on customer commit dates. This role sits at the intersection of customer demand, corrugator capacity, and converting line availability — and the decisions made here directly determine whether the plant runs efficiently or reactively. ND PKG operates a 98" Fosber corrugator with full converting lines. Corrugator scheduling is the highest-leverage scheduling function in the plant: run sequence, board combination efficiency, and setup frequency have a direct impact on utilization, waste, and on-time delivery. The Scheduler reports directly to the General Manager and coordinates daily with Customer Service, Production, and Shipping. Compensation The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. At ND Paper, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate. About Us ND Paper is a leading manufacturer of high-quality pulp, paper, and packaging products in the United States, generating over half a billion dollars in annual sales. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Nine Dragons Paper (Holdings) Limited – the largest containerboard producer in the world – ND Paper is part of a global network committed to excellence and innovation. With two integrated pulp and paper mills in Rumford, Maine and Biron, Wisconsin, a packaging plant in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, and two sheeting facilities in Langhorne, Pennsylvania and Fairmont, West Virginia, the ND Paper family produces nearly one million tons of products annually. Our 1,100 dedicated employees are the heart of our operations, and we are committed to fostering positive work environments where individuals can advance and thrive. At ND Paper, we are investing in our future, and that starts with our staff. Key Responsibilities & Expected Results:Demonstrate safety as a core value and establish a safe work environment by actively leading the safe execution of work. Corrugator SchedulingBuild and release the daily corrugator schedule with sufficient lead time for the shift supervisor to prepare — target release before shift startupSequence corrugator orders to maximize run length, minimize setup count, and optimize board combinations across flute profile, liner, and medium changesManage corrugator capacity against order demand — flag capacity constraints to the General Manager before they become delivery missesBalance short-run and long-run orders across the week to prevent setup fragmentation on any single shiftAdjust schedule in real time when corrugator downtime, quality holds, or order changes disrupt the plan — communicate changes immediately to Production and Customer ServiceCoordinate reworks into the production schedule Converting ScheduleSchedule converting lines (flexo folder gluers, die cutters, stitcher, bundler, bander) in coordination with corrugator output and converting line capacitySequence converting orders to minimize changeover time and maintain flow from corrugator to finished goodsEnsure converting schedule aligns with customer ship dates and Shipping's daily load planCoordinate with Production supervisors on converting line availability, downtime, and priority changesCoordinate reworks into the production schedule Order Management & Customer Commit DatesOwn the commit date for every order in the system — if a date is at risk, the Scheduler identifies it first and escalates proactivelyCoordinate daily with Customer Service on new orders, expedites, and customer-driven date changesProvide Customer Service with realistic lead times for new orders based on current capacity and backlog — do not allow unrealistic commitments to be made without scheduling inputFlag orders that cannot be met on current commit without schedule disruption; escalate to General Manager with options, not just problems Expedite ManagementEvaluate all expedite requests for feasibility before Customer Service commits to the customerIdentify the schedule displacement caused by each expedite — what order moves out to accommodate the pull-in, and who needs to knowTrack and reason-code all expedites: customer-driven, plant-driven (quality), plant-driven (downtime), carrier-drivenReport expedite volume and drivers to the General Manager on a weekly basis Metrics & ReportingTrack corrugator utilization, setup count, average run length, and schedule attainment on a daily basisMaintain a weekly scheduling report for the General Manager covering utilization trend, expedite rate, and schedule stabilityIdentify patterns in scheduling fragmentation — excessive setups, short average run lengths, or repeat expedites on the same accounts — and surface them with root cause analysisProvide data to Quality and Production to support waste reduction efforts tied to setup and run-length optimization System & Data IntegrityMaintain order data accuracy in KIWI — ship dates, quantities, specifications, and board combinations must be current at all timesEnsure the scheduling system reflects actual production status — completed orders closed, partial completions updated, holds flaggedIdentify gaps or workarounds in KIWI that reduce scheduling effectiveness; escalate system issues to the General Manager Cross-Functional CoordinationOwns ordering of roll stockOrdering temps as needed, with GM approvalParticipate in daily production standup — communicate schedule priorities, anticipated constraints, and any changes from prior dayCoordinate with Maintenance on planned downtime windows — build PM and repair windows into the schedule rather than reacting to unplanned outagesCoordinate with Shipping on daily load plan and outbound priorities — schedule must align with carrier pickup windowsSupport Quality's waste reduction efforts by optimizing run sequencing to reduce setup waste and trim loss Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) Schedule AttainmentPercentage of scheduled orders completed on the planned day.Target/Note: Baseline TBD. Requires a 60–90 day data collection period before targets are established.Corrugator UtilizationNet footage run as a percentage of available corrugator capacity.Target/Note: Baseline TBD. A healthy utilization range is typically 65–75%, but a plant-specific baseline is required.Setup Count per ShiftNumber of corrugator setups completed per shift, by day.Target/Note: Baseline TBD. Excessive setups are a primary driver of utilization loss.Average Run LengthAverage footage produced per corrugator run.Target/Note: Baseline TBD. Short average run lengths may indicate scheduling fragmentation.Expedite RatePercentage of orders requiring schedule pull-in after the original release.Target/Note: Baseline TBD. Reason coding should distinguish between customer-driven and plant-driven expedites.Schedule StabilityPercentage of orders shipped on the original committed date without rescheduling.Target/Note: Baseline TBD.Lead Time AccuracyComparison of quoted lead time versus actual days from order entry to shipment.Target/Note: Baseline TBD. Tracked in coordination with Customer Service. Qualifications and Skills Required2+ years of production scheduling experience in corrugated, folding carton, or comparable sheet-fed or web manufacturing environmentWorking understanding of corrugator operations — flute profiles, liner and medium combinations, setup types, and how scheduling decisions drive utilization and wasteDemonstrated ability to manage a dynamic schedule in real time — downtime, quality holds, and expedites are daily realities, not exceptionsStrong analytical skills — able to identify scheduling patterns, quantify their impact, and propose sequencing improvementsProficiency with Microsoft Office; advanced Excel skills for scheduling analysis and reportingClear, direct communicator — able to deliver difficult capacity news to Customer Service and Sales without creating unnecessary alarm or false confidence PreferredExperience with KIWI or comparable corrugated scheduling/ERP systemFamiliarity with corrugator board combination optimization and waste minimization principlesExperience scheduling multiple converting lines simultaneously with interdependent constraintsBilingual English/Spanish/Mandarin — supports communication with floor supervisors and operatorsExposure to lean scheduling concepts: run-length discipline, sequence optimization, changeover reduction Success ProfileOverall ObjectiveBuild the scheduling function baseline.Establish structure, visibility, and optimization discipline.Improve scheduling processes that directly impact corrugator performance.30-Day MilestonesAssume full ownership of daily corrugator and converting schedule releases.Establish recurring meetings with Customer Service and Production.Utilize KIWI as the primary scheduling tool.60-Day MilestonesBegin baseline data collection for:Corrugator utilizationSetup countSchedule attainmentImplement expedite reason coding.Complete the first corrugator run-length analysis.90-Day MilestonesEstablish and report baseline metrics weekly.Identify scheduling fragmentation drivers.Improve corrugator setup count trends.Increase visibility into lead time accuracy.6-Month MilestonesDevelop and obtain approval for formal KPI targets.Operate the scheduling function proactively through:Sequence optimizationRun-length disciplineConsistent lead time integrity Physical Requirements & Work EnvironmentWork EnvironmentOffice setting located within or adjacent to the manufacturing plant.Daily presence on the production floor is required.Standing/WalkingRegular standing and walking to conduct floor audits, verify schedule execution, and identify production issues.Lifting RequirementsOccasionally lift up to 20 pounds.Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)Safety glasses and steel-toed footwear are required when entering the production floor.Schedule FlexibilityPrimary day shift position.Early start times may be required to release the corrugator schedule before production begins. Working ConditionsOnsite at corrugated box plant Attributes for SuccessHard work – tackle each task with determination, passion and creativity; the willingness to put in whatever effort is required to successfully complete the job at hand.Pursuit of Excellence – strive to consistently exceed expectations in our day-to-day work and outperform our competitors in the marketplace, regarding work and company achievements as a collaborative goal with the desire to go above and beyond.Integrity - treat the company and teammates with upmost respect, operating on strong moral codes to drive company values and culture. Sense of Urgency – drive forward each day with speed, agility, and flexibility to capture unrealized opportunities and avoid potential risks for the business. Entrepreneurial Spirit – act like an owner, challenging the status quo, asking the right questions, and actively seeking ways to innovate and improve.Adaptability – be fluid with ND Paper’s continuous evolution while driving change in a fast-paced environment, equipped with the ability to acclimate quickly. Servant Leadership – set an example by implementing meaningful leadership with heart, empathy, foresight and stewardship. ND Paper Benefits We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:Medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as voluntary benefits such as accident insurance, hospital indemnity, and critical illness for you and your family. Financial protection benefits, including life insurance, disability insurance, and business travel accident insurance. Tax advantaged accounts such as Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Paid holidays, personal days, and vacation days to support work-life balance. A 401K retirement plan with a company match and annual fixed contribution Wellness programs with incentives and an on-site clinic available at our Rumford and Biron location. Enjoy competitive salaries, comprehensive health benefits, and paid time off. Discover more about our benefits and how we support our team by visiting 2026 Benefits. Come be a part of our team and grow with us! Apply Please submit your resume, and salary requirements to https://us.ndpaper.com/careers No unsolicited resumes - ND Paper does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Any unsolicited resume you submit to us will immediately become the property of ND Paper. If you would like to become a recruiter for ND Paper, please contact us and we will agree in writing to terms and the specific job roles for which you are authorized to recruit.