Production Planner

JOB SUMMARY

This person will be responsible for effective management necessary to plan, analyze, develop, direct and control complex master demand/capacity planning and high-level scheduling plans at time of order entry acknowledging have-ready dates, through hand-off to discrete scheduling. This also includes any change orders, fast passes or any other requests to the original order. Works closely with Planners and OPS Team for any schedule changes or insertion within the current two week window.

Also responsible for maintaining inventory for any customer-managed inventories or replenishment programs.

Clear understanding of the interface of sales and operations planning, rough-cut capacity planning, demand management, and knowledge of make to stock and make to order processes. Position requires strong communication and teamwork skills necessary for critical interfaces with specification review development, engineering, quality, procurement, manufacturing, and customer service/ sales groups. Must have a solid understanding of MRP/ERP practices, policies and procedures.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary Responsibilities

• Determine the schedule ship date of customer orders or replenishment programs based on customer request date, material and capacity availability.
• Make decisions to release, firm, cancel or defer work, build or reduce inventory based upon current inventory, demand, capacity and material availability.
• Utilize MRP/ERP system to plan and schedule work/materials to support achieving department and company goals.
• Confer with department supervisors to determine progress of work and to provide information on changes in processing method to eliminate waste and improve throughput.
• Monitor activity of the schedule and take prompt action to minimize down time and problems for efficient execution.
• Work closely with procurement to insure timely delivery of materials utilizing MRP system and identify areas to reduce or right size inventory.
• Maintain, publish, and facilitate a daily “Order Status” meeting with operations, planning, quality and customer care representatives.
• Escalate any concerns or issues that cannot be resolved at master planning level.
• Follow or develop any standard work procedures applicable to this position.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for master planning/scheduling that achieves both customer satisfaction and effective utilization of company resources in direct support of company customer delivery and financial goals.
• Demand Planning using open orders, replenishment programs, and sales forecast, creating capacity analysis and inventory management plans.
• Clear understanding of entire supply chain process.
• Must have the drive and human relations skills to deal with the conflicting interests of customers/sales and manufacturing efficiencies/goals. Expectations include team-oriented skills and are able to act as an internal educator/coach to improve other’s understanding what it will take to achieve business goals.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Education

• BS in Business Management, Industrial Management /Engineering or 5 years equivalent experience plus specialized training in the supply chain/ materials management area.
• APICS Certification or equivalent highly desirable.

Experience

• 5 years minimum experience in Production Planning, Production Scheduling, or closely related functions.
• ERP/MRP system knowledge and experience.
• Knowledge of ‘Lean Manufacturing’ thinking desirable.
• Experience in Performance Management to maximize results using positive reinforcement welcomed.

Other Requirements

• Project Management Experience
• Ability to analyze and understand complex business issues, evaluate risks, and suggest appropriate solutions.
• Ability to work collaboratively across functions, disciplines, geographies, and throughout the organization.
• Ability to understand business processes and quickly uncover opportunities for improvement.

Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent oral & written communication and interpersonal relationship skills.
• Requires strong organizational, leadership, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Must be able to work independently, in a team environment, and drive projects to solution.
• Detail-oriented and the ability to perform in a time sensitive and demanding environment with a high degree of accuracy.

Technical Skills

• Requires 5 years of planning/scheduling experience in a make-to-order and make-to-stock manufacturing environment.
• Strong Microsoft office skills, with emphasis on strong ‘Intermediate’ to ‘Advanced’ Excel knowledge.
• Possess knowledge of the flexible packaging industry a plus.

Essential Functions

• Predictably and regularly attend work and to be punctual
• Read and understand documents and drawings.
• Work cooperatively with others.
• Deal politely and professionally with customers and/or coworkers.
• Perform several tasks at once.
• Follow direction or instruction.
• Use a computer to communicate, create, and access information.

Special Requirements

• Ability to travel (US and internationally).
• Ability to work evenings and/or weekends.

Working Conditions

• Day shift, office and plant environment. Responsible for three-shift operation, seven days/week. May be required to cross over all shifts at times for effective training or communication as deemed appropriate.

LOCATION

This role is be based out of New Britain, PA.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Competitive compensation and benefits package commensurate with experience.