Production Control Planner

Job Title: Production Control Planner Job status: Full-time employee, Exempt Salary Department: Materials / Supply Chain Reports to: Supply Chain Manager Production Control Planner Summary / Objective The Production Control Planner is responsible for finite scheduling of the plant's secondary operations (e.g., CNC, drilling, broaching) and grinding operations, along with inventory control and analysis across raw material, work-in-process, and finished goods. This role ensures parts flow efficiently through these downstream processes to meet due dates, and that inventory levels, locations, and routings are accurate and well-managed. Working closely with the Supply Chain Manager, Master Scheduler, Demand Planner, and Production Supervisors, the Production Control Planner balances schedule adherence in secondary/grinding operations with inventory accuracy, flow efficiency, and data-driven reporting in a make-to-order, high-mix precision machining environment. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Develop and maintain finite capacity schedules for the plant's secondary operations (e.g., CNC, drilling, broaching) and grinding operations, sequencing jobs to meet due dates while balancing machine and labor capacity. Coordinate with the Master Scheduler and Production Supervisors to align secondary and grinding schedules with primary (screw machine) production schedules. Monitor and adjust secondary/grinding schedules in response to material availability, machine downtime, quality holds, and shifting priorities. Maintain accurate inventory levels, locations, and routings within the ERP/MRP system across raw material, work-in-process, and finished goods. Analyze inventory flow and cycle times through secondary and grinding operations; identify bottlenecks and recommend routing or process improvements. Conduct regular cycle counts and inventory audits; investigate and resolve discrepancies in quantities, locations, or routings. Identify and report slow-moving, excess, or obsolete inventory; recommend disposition or corrective action. Analyze work-in-process and finished goods inventory data to support inventory reduction, working capital, and service-level goals. Prepare and present regular reports on schedule adherence, inventory accuracy, and inventory levels/trends to the Supply Chain Manager. Partner with the Demand Planner and Purchasing to ensure component and raw material availability supports the secondary/grinding schedule. Support new program launches, routing changes, and process improvements affecting secondary and grinding operations. Serve as backup to the Master Scheduler and/or Demand Planner as needed. Communicate proactively with cross-functional teams (Production, Quality, Purchasing, Demand Planner) to ensure schedule and inventory data are accurate and actioned. Performs other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Strong understanding of finite scheduling and capacity planning concepts in a job-shop or high-mix manufacturing environment. Strong analytical and quantitative skills; comfortable working with large data sets in Excel (pivot tables, formulas) and ERP-generated reports. Working knowledge of inventory control principles (cycle counting, ABC analysis, FIFO, routings, and location management). Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present schedule and inventory data clearly to cross-functional teams and leadership. Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail. Comfortable working on the shop floor and interfacing directly with production supervisors and operators regarding schedule changes and priorities. Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-mix manufacturing environment. General understanding of manufacturing/machining processes; familiarity with secondary and grinding operations a plus. Proven ability to build and maintain effective cross-functional working relationships. High level of integrity, professionalism, …

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