Production Planner/Scheduler

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced and detail-driven Production Planner to join our food manufacturing team. This role is critical in optimizing production efficiency, ensuring on-time delivery, and balancing demand with production capacity while maintaining the highest food safety and quality standards. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, supply chain expertise, and the ability to collaborate across multiple departments to ensure seamless production scheduling and inventory management.

Key Responsibilities:

Production Planning & Scheduling

• Develop and manage short-term and long-term production schedules, aligning with customer orders, inventory levels, and raw material availability.
• Optimize production sequencing and capacity planning to minimize changeover time, reduce downtime, and maximize throughput.
• Monitor and adjust schedules based on demand fluctuations, supplier constraints, and production efficiencies.
• Work closely with operations, procurement, and logistics teams to ensure production plans are feasible and align with business goals.

Inventory & Supply Chain Coordination

• Ensure the availability of raw materials, ingredients, and packaging by collaborating with the procurement and supply chain teams.
• Minimize excess inventory and waste through effective demand planning and stock control.
• Identify and mitigate potential supply chain disruptions by proactively adjusting schedules and communicating with vendors.
• Track and analyze key inventory and production KPIs, implementing data-driven improvements to enhance efficiency.

Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in production planning and implement process improvements to enhance workflow.
• Utilize ERP/MRP systems to drive automation, optimize scheduling, and improve data accuracy.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement lean manufacturing principles and reduce production waste.

Compliance & Communication

• Ensure production plans align with food safety, regulatory, and quality assurance standards (FDA, USDA, GFSI, HACCP, and GMP).
• Communicate schedule updates, changes, and challenges effectively with internal teams, including production supervisors, procurement, and leadership.
• Work proactively with QA and plant management to maintain the highest standards of food safety and operational efficiency.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or a related field preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or supply chain management within the food manufacturing industry.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP software (SAP, Oracle, or similar) and advanced Excel skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Experience in a high-speed, high-volume food production environment preferred.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, demand planning, and inventory control.
• Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Why Join Us?

• Be a key player in an essential and growing food manufacturing business.
• Competitive salary and benefits package, including career development opportunities.
• Collaborative team environment with strong leadership support.
• Opportunity to drive operational excellence and make a significant impact.

If you're an analytical and strategic production planner looking to make a difference in food manufacturing, we want to hear from you. Apply today!