What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Planner position at Sunlight Batteries USA?
Title: Production Planner
Location: Mebane Reports to: Director of Operations - Mebane Territory: Americas Department: Operations
Sunlight Group is a world-leading technology company providing innovative industrial and off-road energy storage solutions with over 30 years of experience in more than 115 countries. We specialize in the development and production of lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries for industrial mobility, leisure mobility, and ESS applications. The Sunlight and Triathlon businesses in the Americas are on a journey to achieve $1bn in revenues in the coming years across the Industrial Mobility and Energy Storage System sectors.
Job Summary: The Production Planner will be responsible for coordinating and optimizing the production schedule to ensure efficient operations, on-time delivery, and cost-effectiveness. This role involves close collaboration with various departments, including production, procurement, logistics, and quality assurance, to align resources and meet customer demands.
Key Responsibilities
Production Scheduling
· Develop, implement, and manage detailed production schedules based on customer orders, inventory levels, and manufacturing capacity.
· Adjust production plans as necessary to accommodate changes in demand, equipment downtime, or material shortages.
Inventory Management
· Monitor inventory levels of raw materials and finished goods to ensure alignment with production schedules.
· Coordinate with procurement teams to maintain adequate stock levels and avoid overstocking or shortages.
Coordination and Communication
· Act as a liaison between production, procurement, and logistics teams to ensure smooth workflow and resolve scheduling conflicts.
· Communicate production plans and priorities to supervisors and team leads.
Performance Monitoring
· Track production progress to ensure schedules are being met and report on key performance indicators (KPIs).
· Identify bottlenecks and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency and productivity.
Data Management
· Maintain accurate records of production schedules, material usage, and inventory levels in the company’s ERP/MRP system.
· Analyze data to forecast production needs and improve planning accuracy.
Compliance and Quality Assurance
· Ensure that production activities comply with company policies, safety standards, and quality requirements.
· Collaborate with quality assurance teams to address any production-related quality issues.
Qualifications and Skills
· Education: Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, operations, industrial engineering, or a related field preferred. Relevant certifications (e.g., APICS, CPIM) are a plus.
· Experience: 5 years of experience in production planning, manufacturing, or supply chain management.
Technical Skills:
· Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and production planning software.
· Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel or similar tools for data analysis.
Soft Skills:
· Strong organizational and time management skills.
· Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.
· Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Knowledge:
· Familiarity with manufacturing processes, inventory management, and lean principles.
· Understanding of safety and quality standards in manufacturing environments.
Key Competencies
· Attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
· Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
· Strong decision-making capabilities supported by data analysis.
Performance Metrics:
· Achieve high-capacity utilization (85%-95%) without overloading resources.
· On-time delivery rate of 95% to meet production schedules.
· Maintain optimal inventory turnover to balance availability with cost efficiency.
· Minimize unplanned downtime by proactively addressing resource and scheduling conflicts.
Sunlight Americas Benefits:
· Competitive PTO Policy
· 401k match up to 6%
· Competitive benefit plans
· HSA contributions for employees and families
· Progressive Paternity and Maternity leave