Production Planner

About the role

The Production Planner plays a crucial role in coordinating and optimizing production schedules to meet customer demands efficiently while minimizing costs. They are responsible for creating production plans, scheduling workflows, and ensuring smooth operations within the manufacturing environment. This role requires a meticulous approach with excellent organizational and communication skills, as well as a deep understanding of production processes and supply chain management principles.

Essential Functions 

Production Planning

Collaborate with sales, marketing, and operations teams to understand customer demand forecasts and production requirements

Develop and maintain detailed production plans based on sales forecasts, inventory levels, and capacity constraints

Analyze historical data and market trends to anticipate future production needs and adjust plans accordingly

Optimize production schedules to balance workload, minimize lead times, and maximize resource utilization

Scheduling and Coordination

Create daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules, considering factors such as machine capacity, labor availability, and material availability

Coordinate with procurement and logistics teams to ensure timely availability of raw materials and components for production.

Monitor production progress and identify potential bottlenecks or delays, taking proactive measures to resolve issues and maintain schedule adherence

Communicate production schedules and changes to relevant stakeholders, including production supervisors, operators, and other support functions

Inventory Management

Work closely with inventory control teams to optimize inventory levels and minimize excess or obsolete inventory

Implement inventory replenishment strategies to ensure uninterrupted production while minimizing inventory holding costs

Conduct regular inventory analysis and participate in inventory planning meetings to identify opportunities for improvement

Continuous Improvement

Participate in cross-functional teams to identify and implement process improvements that enhance production efficiency, reduce waste, and improve quality

Utilize lean manufacturing principles and tools such as Kaizen, 5S, and Six Sigma to drive continuous improvement initiatives

Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to production planning and implement corrective actions as needed to achieve targets

Documentation and Reporting

Maintain accurate records of production plans, schedules, and performance metrics

Generate regular reports on production output, schedule adherence, inventory levels, and other relevant metrics

Analyze data to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities for improvement, and present findings to management

Competencies 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions
• Proficiency in ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems and production planning software
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Education and Experience 

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, industrial engineering, operations management, or a related field
• Proven experience in production planning, scheduling, and inventory management within a manufacturing environment
• Experience in a consumer-packaged goods environment 

EEO

AP&G Co., Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. AP&G Co., Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law.