Production Planner

Production Planner

FLSA Status: Exempt

Hay Grade: 14

Competency Level: 3

Department: Production

Reports To: Production Planning Supervisor

Location: Frankfort, KY

JOB SUMMARY

Organize and coordinate production activities in alignment with demand and quality standards for Make-to-Stock (MTS) operations. The Production Planner is responsible for production planning, capacity planning, and scheduling across product lines to meet changing monthly forecasts while maintaining appropriate inventory levels and minimizing delays to ensure optimal performance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review sales orders and forecasts to establish production priorities based on delivery requirements, raw material availability, and process capacity.
• Plan and schedule regular production runs and production trials to achieve optimal productivity and inventory levels.
• Maintain safety stock levels in accordance with internal risk mitigation and operational requirements.
• Analyze demand, supply chain constraints, and production status on a daily basis to identify risks or gaps that may impact production schedules and take corrective action as needed.
• Collaborate with the Purchasing team to evaluate raw material availability against MRP and communicate forecast changes that may create material shortages.
• Support the resolution of material, manpower, equipment, or planning issues that could affect on-time delivery.
• Maintain effective cross-functional communication regarding order requirements and production status with Sales, Customer Service, Procurement, Production, Warehouse, and Shipping teams.
• Facilitate and support rush orders, track order progress, and communicate potential delays or issues.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to production planning and engineering processes.
• Develop and present production status metrics to support effective organizational decision-making.
• Participate in daily production planning meetings with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrates company competencies aligned with assigned Hay Grade and Competency Level.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this role successfully, the individual must be able to carry out each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of manufacturing experience; direct production planning experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of MRP systems; experience with JD Edwards or similar ERP systems preferred.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing operations and industry dynamics.
• Strong commitment to quality and safety standards.
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving capabilities.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing schedules and business needs.
• Ability to manage a high volume of part numbers in a complex manufacturing environment.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

COMPUTER SKILLS

• Microsoft 365
• JD Edwards or comparable ERP/MRP systems

CERTIFICATIONS

• APICS certification preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Regularly required to sit, use a computer and mouse, and communicate verbally.
• Occasionally required to walk and reach with hands and arms.
• Must maintain close attention to detail and accuracy.
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 lbs.
• Vision requirements include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work is performed in both an office setting and a manufacturing floor environment.
• Office areas are temperature controlled.
• Manufacturing areas may be temperature controlled or non-controlled.