The Production Materials Planner uses the manufacturing resource planning systems and the production scheduling process to align inventory levels with demand planning. This position is responsible for the establishment and timeliness of the production process to ensure the company meets all deadlines, including open orders and made-to-stock requirements. Duties include managing material availability, scheduling production, maintaining MRP systems and monitoring the production process for inefficiencies and recommending improvements.

Essential Job Functions:

• Planning, scheduling, and coordinating production of the company's manufactured products with an emphasis on advanced planning.
• Evaluating raw materials and assemblies to ensure resources are in place for production to run all shifts. Communicates with Planning Manager/Supervisor to verify that materials are adequate to meet production demands.
• Provides an interface with Production Management, Supply Chain, Quality, Customer Service, and other departments. Communicates production changes with all stakeholders.
• Partners with Purchasing staff to ensure material needed to meet production is available.
• Assisting Production with scheduling and working around disruptions and productivity problems with team including assisting with root cause analysis, corrective and preventive action.
• Researching, evaluating, and presenting ways to improve productivity, increase output per labor unit.
• Provide clear and concise communication on production calls including any inventory updates, and unplanned changes affecting schedule.
• Collaborate with other departments and the management team to set production goals considering any supply chain related constraints.
• Report invalid data entries and suggest corrective actions.
• Participate and or lead process improvement teams.

Skills, Experience, and Qualifications: Required

• 3+ years in Production Planning, with proficiency in using ERP systems.
• Knowledge of production/manufacturing processes and quality control
• Strong analytical and math skills required.
• Exceptional Excel skills (including pivot tables, linking of data/files, etc.)
• Must have excellent communication (written and verbal) and customer service skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with all levels of employees.
• Strong time-management and organizational skills. Deadline driven.
• Knowledge and application of Lean tools and principles.
• Requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgment, and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Ensure compliance with all safety and regulatory requirements.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and/or APICS certification
• Lean Manufacturing (or Six Sigma) experience.
• Operation of powered forklift and electric pallet jack equipment, when needed.