Production

Production Coordinator job description

A Production Coordinator manages manufacturing workflows, ERP schedules, and quality standards to ensure efficient, safe, and on-time product delivery.

Published January 11, 2025Updated May 17, 20262156 likes

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Job brief

We are seeking a detail-oriented Production Coordinator to optimize our manufacturing operations and drive continuous improvement within our high-volume production facility. You will be instrumental in balancing scheduling demands with resource availability, ensuring our team maintains maximum output while adhering to rigorous safety and quality protocols. If you are a process-driven professional who excels at solving complex operational challenges in a manufacturing environment, we want to hear from you. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in refining our production systems and helping our organization scale effectively.

Key highlights

Manage daily production schedules in our ERP system to align manufacturing output with customer order deadlines and inventory requirements.
Analyze throughput data and OEE metrics to identify underperforming equipment and recommend targeted process improvements or maintenance interventions.
Monitor adherence to SOPs and safety protocols on the factory floor, conducting regular audits to ensure compliance with OSHA standards.
Document and investigate production anomalies or scrap reports, implementing corrective actions to reduce waste and optimize material usage.

What is a Production Coordinator?

A Production Coordinator serves as the central operational link between manufacturing floor activities and supply chain management. By leveraging ERP systems like SAP or NetSuite, a Production Coordinator synchronizes raw material availability, machine uptime, and labor allocation to meet strict production targets. This role is essential for maintaining lean manufacturing environments, as it bridges the gap between high-level scheduling and the daily technical realities of the factory floor.

What does a Production Coordinator do?

A Production Coordinator spends their day monitoring real-time production KPIs to identify bottlenecks before they impact delivery timelines. They utilize manufacturing software to issue work orders, track inventory levels, and coordinate with maintenance teams to prioritize equipment repairs without disrupting throughput. Beyond desk work, a Production Coordinator regularly walks the floor to verify safety compliance, troubleshoot line-side issues with operators, and facilitate communication between procurement, quality assurance, and assembly teams.

Key responsibilities

Manage daily production schedules in our ERP system to align manufacturing output with customer order deadlines and inventory requirements.
Analyze throughput data and OEE metrics to identify underperforming equipment and recommend targeted process improvements or maintenance interventions.
Coordinate with procurement teams to verify raw material stock levels and ensure just-in-time delivery for upcoming production runs.
Monitor adherence to SOPs and safety protocols on the factory floor, conducting regular audits to ensure compliance with OSHA standards.
Lead shift-start meetings to communicate production goals, safety updates, and quality focus areas to the manufacturing staff.
Document and investigate production anomalies or scrap reports, implementing corrective actions to reduce waste and optimize material usage.
Collaborate with the Quality Assurance department to perform final line inspections and manage non-conforming product documentation.
Maintain accurate records of labor hours, machine downtime, and batch completions to support monthly financial and operational reporting.

Requirements and skills

Minimum 3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, ideally in a production control or coordination capacity.
Proven proficiency in ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle NetSuite, or Microsoft Dynamics 365 for inventory and production planning.
Strong technical understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Kaizen methodologies and their application in process improvement.
Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field; APICS CPIM or CSCP certification is a plus.
Advanced data analysis skills using Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP) or Power BI to track production KPIs and operational trends.
Demonstrated ability to translate complex production data into actionable briefings for cross-functional stakeholders and floor leadership.
In-depth knowledge of OSHA workplace safety regulations and industrial quality standards like ISO 9001:2015.
Experience managing multiple, competing priorities in a fast-paced industrial setting while maintaining strict attention to technical detail.

FAQs

What does a Production Coordinator do on a daily basis?

A Production Coordinator ensures that manufacturing operations run smoothly by scheduling work orders, tracking inventory, and monitoring real-time output. Daily tasks include updating ERP systems, communicating with shift leads to resolve equipment bottlenecks, and verifying that raw materials are available for production. They bridge the gap between planning and execution, ensuring the facility meets daily shipping commitments while maintaining quality standards.

What are the essential skills for a Production Coordinator?

Key skills include proficiency in ERP/MRP software, advanced data analysis in Excel, and a deep understanding of lean manufacturing principles. A successful Production Coordinator must also possess the ability to troubleshoot operational issues on the floor and communicate complex production data to cross-functional teams like procurement, maintenance, and quality assurance.

How does a Production Coordinator differ from a Production Manager?

While a Production Manager often oversees the entire department, strategy, and budget, a Production Coordinator focuses on the tactical, day-to-day execution of the production schedule. They are the 'boots-on-the-ground' problem solvers who ensure the production plan is followed, materials are in place, and equipment status is reported accurately to management.

Why is the Production Coordinator role vital to manufacturing?

The Production Coordinator is critical because they minimize downtime and waste, directly impacting the company’s bottom line and ability to satisfy customer orders. Without effective coordination, manufacturing plants often suffer from material shortages, scheduling conflicts, and safety lapses. By keeping operations organized and efficient, this role ensures the business remains competitive, scalable, and profitable.