Production Planner

DescriptionThe Production Planner is an essential role within our Operations team, focused on creating and managing the production schedule. This individual will be tasked with developing an integrated approach to manufacturing scheduling that supports supply chain schedules, meets customer expectations, and optimizes operational efficiencies. The successful candidate will work under the guidance of the Supply Chain Coordinator, collaborating closely with multiple departments to ensure the seamless flow from raw material acquisition to the delivery of the final product.Essential Functions1. Develop Production Schedules: Create detailed production plans that align with supply chain management strategies, customer demands, and production capacity. Ensure schedules are feasible, efficient, and optimized for resources and materials availability.2. Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Work collaboratively with Supply Chain, Purchasing, Sales, and Production teams to ensure a cohesive approach to the manufacturing schedule. This includes regular communication with the Supply Chain Coordinator to adjust plans based on supply chain dynamics and customer needs.3. Inventory Management: Coordinate with the Supply Chain Coordinator to manage the inventory of raw materials and finished goods, ensuring that production is planned based on existing inventory levels and future procurement schedules.4. Efficiency Tracking: Monitor production process efficiencies, identifying bottlenecks or delays and implementing solutions to optimize production flow. Provide feedback and suggestions on process improvements for consideration by management.5. Compliance & Quality Control: Ensure that production schedules comply with all relevant quality standards and regulations, coordinating with the Quality Control department to ensure materials and products meet specifications.6. Reporting & Analysis: Prepare and present reports regularly on production progress, adherence to schedules, and any variances to planned activities. Use data analysis to inform future scheduling and improvements.7. Risk Management: Identify potential risks to the production schedule, including material shortages, machinery downtime, or labor issues. Work with the Supply Chain Coordinator to develop and implement mitigation strategies.PPE Requirements and Safety Rules•Eye protection is required everywhere in the plant.•Hearing protection is required everywhere in the plant.•Safety-toed shoes or boots are required everywhere in the plant.•Cut gloves are required to be worn on the opposite hand you use to hold a knife when cutting.•The maximum weight allowed to be lifted by one person is 80 pounds. Anything heavier requires the aid of another person, a forklift, a big joe, or a roll handler.•Face shields must be worn anytime you are over the die during start-up.•Each machine is equipped with multiple safety switches and devices. Although the features are not the same for each machine, they all have safety devices to help protect you. These include pressure-sensitive mats, light curtains, pull cords, and emergency stop buttons.Competencies1. Proven experience in production planning, scheduling, or a similar role within manufacturing.2. Strong understanding of production processes, supply chain management, and inventory control principles.3. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage priorities and adapt to changing demands.4. Proficient in MS Office and familiar with ERP systems.5. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of effectively collaborating with diverse teams.Work EnvironmentThis job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. This job also requires time on the production floor.Physical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential duties/functions of this job.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, stand, walk, and use hands/fingers.Position Type and Expected Hours of WorkThis is a full-time position. The hours of work are 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.Education and Experience•High School Education or GED•1-2 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.Other DutiesPlease note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.Reasonable accommodation can be made for qualified ADA disabilities if they enable the employee to perform the position's essential functions and duties.*Mid-South is an equal opportunity employer. We want applicants of diverse backgrounds and hire without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.