Production Scheduler

Founded in 1912, Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE: ITW) is a diversified, Fortune 200 manufacturing company that delivers specialized expertise, innovative thinking and value-added products to meet critical customer needs in a variety of industries. Ranked among Fortune Magazine’s most admired companies, the company focuses on solid growth, improving profitability and strong returns across its worldwide platforms and divisions. These divisions serve customers and markets around the globe, with a significant presence in developed as well as emerging markets.

Vulcan is a division of Illinois Tool Works (ITW), and is recognized by chefs and operators around the world as the best-in-class supplier for premier, energy-efficient foodservice equipment, we are seeking a strategic, innovative and energetic Production Scheduler for our Ovens and Heated Holding departments. This is an in office position based in Baltimore, MD.

SUMMARY

Leveraging ITW 80/20 business philosophies and toolbox methodologies, this position is responsible for effectively planning and scheduling production activities to ensure the timely delivery of products while upholding stringent manufacturing safety standards. This role requires a keen understanding of manufacturing processes, materials management, and supply chain logistics. The ideal candidate will possess strong problem-solving skills, excellent communication abilities, and the capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities (80% Core Essential Functions)

1) Safety and Continuous Improvement:

• Uphold and enforce company safety and housekeeping programs to maintain a secure work environment in accordance with corporate policies.

2) Production Planning and Coordination:

• Develop and maintain precise production schedules for Convection Ovens and Heated Holding to meet customer delivery commitments and maximize resource efficiency.
• Serve as the primary contact for production scheduling inquiries and updates, ensuring seamless communication across departments.
• Communicate production schedules and changes effectively to relevant stakeholders to maintain alignment and operational readiness.
• Schedule all customer orders, provide commitment dates to Customer Care based on capacity and customer.

3) Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Facilitate regular meetings with production teams to review schedules, address challenges, and foster alignment towards production goals.
• Collaborate closely with procurement, manufacturing, and engineering departments to ensure timely availability of materials and resources necessary for production.
• Adjust production schedules dynamically in response to shifts in demand, material availability, and production capacity to optimize operational efficiency.
• Develop a strong relationship with the Customer Care team and learn each Key Accounts requirement to fulfill their needs.
• Work closely with customer service teams to align production schedules with customer orders and delivery timelines, ensuring on-time delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Communicate production status updates and potential delays proactively to customer service representatives to manage customer expectations effectively.
• Implement structured communication channels with customer service to streamline order fulfillment processes and enhance customer experience.

4) Inventory Management and Process Optimization:

• Monitor and manage inventory levels of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods to ensure adequate supply without overstocking.
• Implement strategies for finished goods control to minimize waste, reduce costs, and optimize lead times, maintaining optimal stock levels.
• Analyze production data to identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement, recommending and implementing process enhancements to enhance productivity, efficiency, and product quality.

5) Performance Monitoring and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of production schedules, inventory levels, and relevant operational data to support decision-making and ensure compliance.
• Prepare and present regular reports on production performance, schedule adherence, and inventory status to management and stakeholders.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements across all manufacturing operations to uphold operational integrity and compliance.

Responsibilities (20% Business-specific functions)

• Oversee the completion and execution of the Monday Morning Ovens & Heated Holding metrics report to track performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Generate serial numbers, device data plates, and various production labels to ensure accurate product identification and traceability.
• Manage and sustain the Kanban/MRD program to optimize inventory flow and reduce waste.
• Utilize the ITW Toolbox to inform and guide decision-making processes.
• Regularly review safety stock levels to ensure commitments to key customers are consistently met.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position has no direct reports.

Education and Work Experience

A minimum of two (2) years' production coordination or scheduling experience in a manufacturing environment or professional setting (e.g., healthcare, call center, construction management, event planning, retail, staffing, etc.) is required. An associate’s degree in a related discipline (e.g., Business Administration, Engineering, Supply Chain Management) can be substituted for the required experience. A strong orientation toward manufacturing Safety is a must

Job —Specific Knowledge

• Serve as the primary contact for production scheduling inquiries and updates, ensuring seamless communication across departments.
• Communicate production schedules and changes effectively to relevant stakeholders to maintain alignment and operational readiness.
• Adjust production schedules dynamically in response to shifts in demand, material availability, and production capacity to optimize operational efficiency.
• Implement structured communication channels with customer service to streamline order fulfillment processes and enhance customer experience.
• Work closely with customer service teams to align production schedules with customer orders and delivery timelines, ensuring on-time delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Uphold and enforce company safety and housekeeping programs to maintain a secure work environment in accordance with corporate policies.

Competencies

• Demonstrate strong leadership: Inspire and mentor teams to achieve operational excellence through effective coaching and leadership.
• Communicate effectively: Foster clear and collaborative communication with teams, stakeholders, and decision-makers to align manufacturing goals with strategic objectives.
• Prioritize customer satisfaction: Champion a customer-centric approach with a commitment to project ownership and delivery excellence.
• Proactively solve challenges: Anticipate and resolve manufacturing issues swiftly to ensure continuous process improvement and operational efficiency.
• Ensure regulatory compliance: Possess in-depth knowledge of OSHA regulations to maintain a safe and compliant manufacturing environment.
• Apply quality assurance expertise: Utilize advanced tools, methods, and concepts in quality assurance to uphold product standards and optimize manufacturing processes.
• Strategically allocate resources: Plan, delegate, and effectively manage resources to achieve production targets and company objectives.
• Understand manufacturing operations: Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of manufacturing processes to streamline workflows and enhance productivity.
• Adapt to change: React promptly and calmly to dynamic manufacturing environments, ensuring resilience and efficiency in response to operational changes.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is:

• Must be able to stand or walk for duration of 10 hours.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, lift, reach and twist to complete all job tasks.
• Must be able to wear all required PPE (i.e., safety glasses, gloves, steel/composite toe safety shoes)

Working Conditions

• Combination - industrial plant floor and in office.

Hours of Work

• Monday – Friday 7:00 am – 3:30 pm.
• Week/Weekend overtime as necessary

 ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.  

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.