What are the responsibilities and job description for the Demand Planner position at Sterling Engineering?
Demand Planner/Production Scheduler
Location: Cary, IL
Overview:
Sterling has helped build careers for thousands for professionals like yourself. Our expert recruiters support you at every step in the process and as a Best of Staffing company, Sterling provides exciting work with exceptional employers across the U.S.
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Benefits: Medical, dental, vision
Pay: $80-90K
Job Summary:
The Demand Planner/Production Scheduler is responsible for maintaining and updating the production schedule to align with customer demands and the master production schedule. This role ensures that materials and components are sourced and stocked appropriately to support efficient production workflows. The scheduler also facilitates communication across teams and manages external supplier coordination to meet operational and shipping requirements.
Job Duties:
- Develop and manage the production schedule for assigned areas.
- Oversee material scheduling, ERP system updates, and routine document edits.
- Create and schedule Manufacturing Orders (MOs) and Return Material Authorization (RMA) rework orders.
- Monitor MO completion, ensuring accurate materials, scrap, and labor issuance.
- Facilitate communication between internal and external teams to analyze production risks and lead times.
- Provide delivery commitments on Make-to-Order (MTO) products by assessing material and capacity availability.
- Track production performance against the schedule, identifying gaps and implementing solutions.
- Regularly report key deliverables to plant leadership.
- Coordinate with customer service and suppliers to resolve issues impacting shipping schedules.
- Develop and maintain the Kanban process, adjusting quantities based on demand forecasts.
- Ensure proper planning and system setup for every part in production.
- Manage outside processing suppliers, release purchase orders (POs), and track delivery requirements.
Qualifications:
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business and technical documents.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting and presentations.
- Knowledge of Lean manufacturing methods, including Kanban, data-driven decision-making, and Root Cause & Corrective Measures (RCCM).
- Technical degree in production, operations, or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience in production scheduling within discrete manufacturing.
- Experience with MRP/ERP systems; familiarity with Microsoft Dynamics ERP is preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
- APICS certification preferred.
Salary : $80,000 - $90,000
