Production Planner/Scheduler

Summary:

The Production Planner/Scheduler is responsible for planning, scheduling, and coordinating daily and weekly production activities in a high-volume, sku intensive consumer goods manufacturing environment. This role ensures efficient use of labor, materials, and equipment while meeting product demand, quality standards, and delivery deadlines. 

Description:

Production Planning & Scheduling

• Develop and maintain daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules 
• Balance production capacity with customer orders and forecasted demand
• Sequence jobs to maximize throughput and minimize changeovers and downtime
• Adjust schedules in real time based on labor availability, equipment issues, or material shortages

Coordination & Communication

• Work closely with packaging supervisors, line leads, and operators to execute schedules
• Coordinate with purchasing and inventory teams to ensure component and raw material availability
• Communicate schedule changes clearly to all affected departments
• Participate in daily production meetings and shift handoffs

Inventory & Materials Management

• Monitor raw material, components, and finished goods inventory levels
• Ensure materials are staged and available to support scheduled production
• Help prevent stockouts and excess inventory
• Establish appropriate safety stock in coordination with the sales team

Performance Tracking & Reporting

• Track production output, schedule adherence, and downtime
• Identify bottlenecks and recommend improvements for flow and efficiency maximization
• Maintain accurate production records and reports 

Continuous Improvement & Compliance

• Support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
• Ensure scheduling supports quality, safety, and regulatory requirements
• Assist with capacity planning for new products or increased volume

Qualifications

Required

• Associates degree and 3+ years of experience in manufacturing or related field. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 1–3 years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or manufacturing operations
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Proficiency with spreadsheets (Excel or similar) and basic production systems

Preferred

• Experience in packaging, food, consumer goods, or light manufacturing
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems
• Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement exposure

Skills & Competencies

• Strong attention to detail
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Clear verbal and written communication
• Ability to prioritize and adapt to changing demands
• Team-oriented with a hands-on mindset

Work Environment

• Manufacturing/packaging plant setting
• May require standing, walking, and floor presence
• Occasional overtime based on production needs

KPI Scorecard

Schedule & Delivery (40%)

Throughput & Efficiency (25%)

Inventory & Materials (20%)

Labor & Cost Control (10%)

Quality & Communication (5%)