ICS Production Planner

Production Planner

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Production

SUPERVISOR: Production Supervisor

DIRECT REPORTS: None.

Position Summary

The Production Planner plays a critical role in ensuring efficient manufacturing operations by developing and maintaining production schedules that align with customer demand and delivery commitments. This role requires exceptional communication, analytical skills, and ownership of production planning responsibilities. The Production Planner will work cross-functionally with Purchasing, Engineering, Sales, Customer Service, and Production teams to optimize workflow efficiency, minimize delays, and improve overall production performance.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Highschool diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, business, or related field is preferred.

Experience:

• 3-5 years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or supply chain management (preferably in a manufacturing environment).
• Experience with inventory management, capacity planning, and supply chain coordination.

Knowledge:

• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (Epicor preferred) and advanced Excel skills.

Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess and optimize production planning processes.
• Advanced Excel skills (such as VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and data analysis tools)
• Ability to interpret production data, analyze trends, and drive data-driven decisions.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally across departments.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, ensuring production plans are accurate and efficient.
• Ability to multitask and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proactive mindset, with a focus on continuous improvement and process optimization.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain production schedules to meet customer demand and delivery commitments.
• Demonstrate exceptional communication skills across all departments, ensuring clarity, transparency, and alignment.
• Over-communicate when necessary to ensure everyone is aligned and informed, minimizing miscommunication risks.
• Take full ownership of production planning responsibilities, proactively solving issues and driving continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with Purchasing, Engineering, and Production teams to ensure material availability and workflow efficiency.
• Monitor work orders and adjust schedules based on material availability, labor capacity, and machine utilization.
• Work closely with Sales and Customer Service to provide accurate lead times and delivery updates.
• Ensure on-time delivery (OTD) by proactively addressing potential bottlenecks or supply chain disruptions.
• Optimize production planning to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and manage inventory levels effectively.
• Utilize ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Epicor) to track production progress, inventory levels, and order status.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in production planning and scheduling processes.
• Support Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and ensure seamless integration of design modifications into production.
• Assist Finance by providing monthly revenue forecasting and supporting cash flow forecasting efforts.
• Analyze historical data and current backlog to provide accurate revenue projections and capacity planning insights.
• Generate and analyze inventory, capacity, and production reports to support strategic decision-making.
• Expertly use Excel functions such as VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and data analysis tools to assess production trends and material availability.
• Assist the Sales team by providing accurate and highly detailed data for the customer open order report in an orderly and structured format.

Other responsibilities, initiatives and ad-hoc projects as required.

Internal and External Relationships

Internal: Collaborates closely with Production, Purchasing, Engineering, Sales, Customer Service, and Finance teams.

External: Works with vendors and suppliers to ensure timely material procurement and resolve supply chain challenges.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand and walk within an office and manufacturing environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.