Production Planner - Foam Manufacturing Facility

Job Description

Are you a detail-oriented planner with experience in manufacturing? We are seeking a Production Planner to join our team at Palziv North America, a leading foam manufacturing facility. In this role, you will develop and manage production schedules, optimize resource utilization, and ensure on-time delivery of high-quality products. Your expertise will help streamline operations, minimize downtime, and support our commitment to customer satisfaction.

Why Join Us?

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Financial Security: 401(k) plan with company match and life insurance.
• Work-Life Balance: Paid time off, including vacation and holidays.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for training, certifications, and career advancement.
  
  

Key Responsibilities:

Production Planning & Scheduling:

• Create and maintain daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules for foam extrusion, lamination, conversion, and other processes.
• Align production schedules with customer orders, shipping deadlines, and inventory requirements.
• Adjust plans to account for equipment downtime, raw material availability, and other contingencies.
  
  

Inventory & Material Coordination:

• Coordinate with the Purchasing team to maintain adequate stock levels for foam production.
• Manage finished goods inventory to balance customer needs with warehouse capacity.
  
  

Collaboration Across Departments:

• Work closely with Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Sales teams to align on priorities and address issues.
• Communicate changes to schedules and production priorities effectively across all levels.
• Support efforts to minimize lead times and meet customer delivery expectations.
  
  

Data Management & Analysis:

• Maintain accurate records of production schedules, work orders, and output data.
• Analyze production data to identify inefficiencies, capacity constraints, or bottlenecks.
• Generate reports to track key metrics like on-time delivery, throughput, and waste rates.
  
  

Process Improvement:

• Identify and implement process improvements to optimize production efficiency.
• Recommend changes in production flow, staffing, or equipment usage to enhance performance.
• Support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives specific to foam production.
  
  

Problem Resolution:

• Quickly address and resolve scheduling conflicts, material shortages, or quality issues.
• Provide alternative solutions to minimize production disruptions and maintain delivery timelines.
  
  

Qualifications:

Education:

• Associate’s degree in supply chain management, industrial engineering, manufacturing management, or a related field.
• Equivalent experience in production planning may be considered.
  
  

Experience:

• 3-5 years of production planning experience, preferably in a foam manufacturing
• Familiarity with processes like extrusion, lamination, and foam conversion is highly desirable.
  
  

Skills & Competencies:

• Proficiency in production planning software (e.g., MRP/ERP systems).
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills to interact with all levels of the organization.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in cross-linked foam manufacturing.
• APICS CPIM or CSCP certification.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 quality management systems.
  
  

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• On-time delivery performance.
• Schedule adherence rates.
• Inventory turnover and accuracy.
• Waste reduction metrics (e.g., scrap percentage).
• Downtime due to scheduling or material shortages.
  
  

Work Environment:

• Primarily office-based with regular interaction on the production floor.
• Exposure to a manufacturing environment with noise, temperature variations, and equipment.
• Occasional lifting of materials (up to 25 lbs) and walking/standing for extended periods.