Production Planner 3

IPS - Rubbercraft is seeking a Production Planner 3 to coordinate with Production Managers and Leads on a daily basis. The role involves validating, prioritizing, and adjusting production schedules, as well as resolving issues that may impact schedule adherence and customer service performance. The Senior Planner is responsible for researching, setting, and maintaining accurate MRP planning parameters and data in Great Plains to streamline the planning process while optimizing resources. This role reports directly to the Planning Manager as necessary and leads the planning, scheduling, and monitoring of materials and product movement through the production cycle. Additionally, this position serves as the primary point of contact for Sales department inquiries, ensuring accurate and timely order status updates are provided.

About IPS: Integrated Polymer Solutions (IPS) is a leading developer and manufacturer of advanced materials and engineered components, focused exclusively on high-value end markets such as aerospace, defense, medical, semiconductors, robotics, energy, and industrial applications. The group consists of 9 highly respected brands: AkroFire, ABBA Roller, Icon Aerospace Technology, IRP Medical, MAST Technologies, Northern Engineering Sheffield (NES), RMB Products, Rubbercraft, and Swift Textile Metalizing (STM). Our product range includes elastomeric seals, gaskets, tooling, hoses, ablatives, survivability tiles, coatings and tapes, EMI and thermal shielding, electrically conductive metalized fabrics, encapsulated O-rings, as well as polyamide foams and high-temperature thermoplastics for aircraft interiors. We also provide rotational lining for corrosion protection with seamless liners for pipelines and equipment, and additive manufacturing capabilities for advanced flight hardware production.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the execution of the master production schedule.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Supervisors and Leads to ensure smooth schedule execution.
• Release and modify manufacturing orders as needed to meet schedule requirements.
• Review and address MRP planning exception messages.
• Ensure the accuracy and management of MRP planning data.
• Monitor inventory levels and assist with stock control.
• Lead coordination with manufacturing for accurate and timely Sales department updates regarding order status and recovery.
• Maintain and update customer order status tools, including recovery dates and status comments in GP.
• Coordinate with the Purchasing department to procure necessary materials and services.
• Communicate component shortages and work with Purchasing and Inspection to resolve issues.
• Complete special projects and tasks assigned by the Planning Manager in a timely manner.
• Inform the Planning Manager and Inside Sales or Customer Service Representatives of critical issues that may impact on-time delivery.
• Develop contingency plans when schedule deviations occur, adjusting due dates and informing Customer Service of changes.
• Support company and departmental goals, including driving positive customer experiences.
• Report manufacturing process improvements to the Planning Manager.
• Lead Continuous Improvement initiatives, including KANBAN, Min/Max, Safety Stocks, and visual factory implementation.
• Maintain good housekeeping and safety practices.
• Perform and coordinate production planning activities to ensure manufacturing orders start on time and monitor progress.

Job Specifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience (5-10 years as a production planner).

Experience:

• 3-7 years in a production planning role utilizing an MRP system.
• Experience with Manufacturing Order planning, including release, follow-up, completion, and scrap management.
• Proficient with ERP/MRP systems.
• Experience in a fast-paced, high-mix manufacturing environment.
• Aerospace industry experience preferred.

Competencies:

• CPIM certification or equivalent supply chain certification.
• Advanced knowledge of Excel (pivots, filters) and Microsoft suite.
• Strong understanding of S&OP, inventory management, scheduling, capacity planning, and materials replenishment.
• Analytical skills, excellent communication, and team development abilities.
• Attention to detail and experience with BOMs and routers.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.
• Green Belt - Six Sigma certification preferred.

Additional Requirements:

• Strong organizational, decision-making, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with MS Great Plains MRP preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Strong math skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in MS Office, including Word, Excel, and Project.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Benefits:

At Integrated Polymer Solutions, we recognize how important your career and benefits are to you and your family. We offer a full suite of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, retirement savings and matching, and other developmental opportunities. We are committed to supporting the way you live and work.

IPS is an Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled - Affirmative Action Employer.

This position requires using information subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.