Job at a glance
Job Title: Production Planner Job Description The Production Planner plays a key role in developing and maintaining master production schedules that align with customer demand, capacity, and inventory targets. This position translates sales orders and forecasts into detailed work orders, coordinates closely with procurement and cross-functional teams, and adjusts schedules in real time to ensure on-time delivery and efficient production.
The role is ideal for someone who enjoys analytical work, thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, and is eager to contribute ideas and drive process improvements. Responsibilities Develop, maintain, and publish master production schedules (MPS) that align with customer orders, demand forecasts, and production capacity. Translate sales orders and demand forecasts into detailed work orders and shop floor release schedules.
Sequence and prioritize production runs to minimize changeover time, reduce work-in-process (WIP), and optimize throughput. Adjust production schedules in real time to respond to machine downtime, material shortages, labor constraints, and changes in customer demand. Collaborate with procurement to ensure raw materials, components, and packaging are available to support planned production. Monitor material requirements planning (MRP) outputs and resolve exceptions, shortages, and excess inventory situations.
Track and manage finished goods inventory levels against established targets and replenishment triggers. Participate in daily and weekly Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) meetings and provide accurate planning inputs. Communicate schedule changes, delays, and constraints to customer service, sales, and operations leadership in a timely manner. Partner with engineering and quality teams to incorporate new product introductions (NPI) and engineering changes into the production schedule.
Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) such as schedule adherence, on-time delivery (OTD), and production efficiency. Identify production bottlenecks and recommend capacity adjustments, including overtime, outsourcing, or equipment investments. Support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives focused on waste reduction and lead time compression. Actively contribute ideas and feedback to improve planning processes, tools, and overall operational performance.
Essential Skills Strong experience with ERP/MRP systems; ERP experience is required. Hands-on production planning experience in a manufacturing or supply chain environment. Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make informed planning decisions. Experience with material planning, inventory management, and schedule planning. Knowledge of supply chain, logistics, and production control principles.
Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple production schedules while meeting deadlines. Effective communication skills to collaborate with procurement, engineering, quality, sales, and operations teams. Ability to adapt plans quickly in response to changing conditions such as equipment downtime or material constraints. Proficiency in tracking and reporting KPIs related to schedule adherence, on-time delivery, and production efficiency.
Additional Skills & Qualifications Degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered. Experience with ERP/MRP platforms such as SAP, Oracle, Epicor, SYSPRO, Visual, or similar systems. Experience in lean manufacturing or continuous improvement initiatives. Experience participating in S&OP processes and cross-functional planning meetings.
Comfort working closely with scheduling professionals and learning established best practices. Willingness to voice opinions constructively and suggest process improvements. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sussex, WI. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $28