Planner, Production

**Production Planner

**

Production Planner:

The Production Planner is responsible for developing and executing production plans that support customer service, operational efficiency, inventory targets, and on-time delivery performance. This role serves as a key link between Production, Transportation, Customer Service, Procurement, Warehousing, and Supply Chain teams to ensure materials, capacity, and logistics resources are aligned with business demand.

The successful candidate will bring a strong operational mindset coupled with planning expertise and transportation awareness. They will be a highly analytical and strategic thinker who can evaluate complex business requirements, anticipate challenges, and proactively implement solutions to meet production schedules and customer commitments. This individual will take full ownership of their responsibilities, demonstrate accountability for results, actively contribute to team success, and drive continuous improvement initiatives that support evolving business needs.

The ideal candidate thrives in a manufacturing environment, maintains a positive and driven attitude, and consistently focuses on delivering to plan, achieving operational goals, and supporting a culture of excellence, safety, and teamwork.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain short, medium, and long-term production plans for Liquid, Packaging, and Molding operations to ensure customer demand, production capacity, inventory objectives, and service requirements are met.
• Coordinate production schedules across manufacturing, warehousing, transportation, procurement, and customer service functions to ensure seamless execution.
• Monitor production performance against plan and proactively resolve constraints related to materials, labor, equipment capacity, transportation, and inventory availability.
• Evaluate manufacturing capacity, line utilization, tank availability, and material flow to optimize production efficiency and schedule attainment.
• Collaborate with transportation and logistics teams to align shipping schedules, product availability, and customer delivery requirements.
• Manage inventory levels, safety stock strategies, and replenishment plans to support operational continuity while minimizing excess inventory.
• Utilize SAP, MRP, and planning tools to maintain accurate planning parameters, forecasts, inventory records, and production requirements.
• Analyze trends, operational performance, and planning metrics to identify risks and opportunities and drive data-based decision-making.
• Release and monitor raw material and packaging requirements to support uninterrupted production operations.
• Partner with Procurement and suppliers to address supply challenges, shortages, and changing business requirements.
• Coordinate and prioritize rework activities, special projects, and schedule adjustments while maintaining customer service objectives.
• Lead schedule recovery efforts when production disruptions occur and communicate mitigation plans to stakeholders.
• Participate in Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) and weekly planning reviews as required.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on schedule attainment, inventory optimization, operational efficiency, and service performance.
• Develop strong cross-functional relationships and serve as a trusted planning resource for operational teams.
• Support and promote a culture of ownership, accountability, collaboration, food safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and actively support business changes that improve operational performance and customer satisfaction.
• Cross-train and share knowledge with team members to strengthen departmental capability and flexibility.

Education

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business, Logistics, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant manufacturing planning experience will be considered.

Work Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in production planning, supply chain planning, operations, manufacturing, transportation, logistics, or a related role within a manufacturing environment.
• Food manufacturing experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience balancing production requirements, inventory management, transportation constraints, and customer service commitments.
• Proficiency with SAP, MRP/ERP systems, and advanced Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make informed decisions.
• Experience managing priorities in a fast-paced environment with changing business demands.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across operations, planning, transportation, procurement, warehousing, and customer service functions.
• Strong communication and organizational skills with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive alignment.
• Demonstrated track record of meeting schedules, achieving operational targets, and delivering results.

Additional Requirements / Key Competencies

• Office-based role, Monday through Friday.
• Analytical and strategic thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Positive, driven, and results-oriented professional who consistently follows through on commitments.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability for individual and team performance.
• Ability to take initiative, challenge the status quo, and drive positive change in support of business objectives.
• Highly organized with excellent attention to detail and follow-through.
• Focused on delivering to plan, achieving goals, and maintaining schedule adherence.
• Team-oriented individual who contributes positively to an established team environment while demonstrating independence and leadership when required.
• Customer-focused with a strong commitment to service excellence.
• Adaptable and resilient in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
• Committed to maintaining high standards of safety, food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

You should be proficient in:

• Supplier Management
• ERP & MRP Systems
• Production Planning & Scheduling
• Supply Chain Management