Production Planner II

The Production Planner II is responsible for evaluating customer orders, inventory availability, and facility capacity to determine the most cost-effective and efficient production path across PIP's logo customization network.

Operating across Guilderland, NY; Olive Branch, MS; and Marietta, GA, this role ensures that every order is aligned to the right process, at the right site, using the right resources — whether in-house or through an approved third-party vendor. The Master Scheduler serves as a key decision-maker and liaison between Customer Service, Operations, and Supply Chain, ensuring customer deadlines are met through proactive planning and real-time problem solving.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Order & Production Evaluation

• Review new customer orders to determine the most efficient and cost-effective production method (e.g., heat transfer, pad print, screen print, or 3rd party vendor).
• Evaluate inventory availability at the order level, identifying shortages and presenting alternatives or substitutions.
• Recommend adjustments to order routing or production methods based on material readiness and capacity constraints.

Cross-Site Load Balancing

• Analyze demand, backlog, and capacity across all PIP facilities to ensure efficient order flow.
• Recommend adjustments to site assignments to maximize throughput, minimize lead time, and reduce carryover or unfinished orders between scheduling periods.
• Coordinate scheduling adjustments and load sharing across locations to maintain balanced workflows and achieve on-time delivery.

Customer & Communication Alignment

• Partner with Customer Service to communicate schedule or order changes and manage customer expectations.
• Provide proactive updates on inventory-related constraints and feasible delivery timelines.
• Serve as the communication bridge between planning, production, and customer-facing teams.

Third-Party Vendor Coordination

• Identify when 3rd party vendors should be utilized to supplement internal capacity or meet lead times.
• Determine which orders to outsource and oversee all procurement and transfer processes for vendor-managed work.
• Maintain and monitor ongoing communication with vendors to ensure orders are progressing on time and meeting quality standards.

Continuous Improvement

• Track scheduling and order routing performance, identifying recurring material or process constraints.
• Recommend improvements to increase efficiency, reduce delays, and strengthen capacity planning.
• Maintain accurate and current data within ERP/MRP systems to support transparent decision-making.

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

• 5 years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or supply chain operations, ideally in a multi-site or customization/manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (Epicor preferred) and strong Excel-based analysis skills.
• Strong analytical thinking, communication, and decision-making abilities.
• Experience managing or coordinating with third-party suppliers or contract manufacturers a plus.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with multiple teams and locations.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or a related field preferred.