Production Planner

The Master Planner develops and maintains detailed production schedules to ensure customer orders are completed on time and in full. This role balances production capacity, labor, materials, and equipment constraints to optimize manufacturing output, while closely coordinating with cross-functional teams and leveraging ERP/MRP systems and advanced Excel tools to drive efficient, accurate planning in a manufacturing environment. Responsibilities Develop and maintain detailed production schedules to ensure customer orders are completed on time and in full. Balance production capacity, labor, materials, and equipment constraints to optimize manufacturing output. Coordinate with Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, and Inventory teams to align production priorities with material availability. Utilize Microsoft Dynamics and other planning tools to manage production orders, batch sizing, scheduling, and inventory requirements. Analyze production demand and capacity requirements to proactively identify bottlenecks and recommend solutions. Support raw material planning and order management in an order-driven manufacturing environment. Create, modify, and improve Excel-based planning tools, reports, and pivot tables to enhance visibility and decision-making. Review Bills of Materials (BOMs) and production requirements to ensure planning accuracy. Develop and document planning processes, standard work, and operating procedures to improve consistency and efficiency. Help bridge existing planning gaps while the organization transitions to a new MRP system. Collaborate with leadership to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and operational standardization. Monitor planning metrics and communicate production risks, material shortages, and schedule changes to key stakeholders. Essential Skills 5+ years of production planning experience within a manufacturing environment. Experience managing production schedules, capacity planning, and production order execution. Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and shop floor processes. Strong ERP/MRP experience, with Microsoft Dynamics experience strongly preferred. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, lookups, and data analysis. Experience working with Bills of Materials (BOMs), inventory management, and material planning. Proven ability to work independently and quickly become effective in a new environment. Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify efficiencies and improve planning processes. Strong organizational and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across functions. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience in production planning, production scheduling, and supply chain coordination. Background in schedule planning within an order-driven manufacturing environment. Experience using ERP tools for production, inventory, and material requirements planning. Forward-thinking mindset with the ability to anticipate issues and propose solutions. Comfort working in environments undergoing system transitions, such as implementation of new MRP platforms. Work Environment The role operates within a manufacturing environment that relies on ERP/MRP systems, particularly Microsoft Dynamics, to manage production orders, inventory, and material requirements. The Production Planner works closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, Inventory, and leadership teams in a collaborative, cross-functional setting. The position involves extensive use of Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables and data analysis tools, to build and refine planning reports and dashboards. The environment emphasizes continuous improvement, operational standardization, and clear communication of production risks, material shortages, and schedule changes to stakeholders. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fox Lake, WI. Pay And Benefits The pay range for this position is $4…

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