Production
A Production Planner optimizes manufacturing schedules, material flow, and inventory levels using ERP systems to ensure on-time delivery and operational peak.
We are looking for a data-driven Production Planner to join our manufacturing team and take full ownership of our end-to-end production scheduling and material requirement planning. In this role, you will be the bridge between customer demand and the production floor, ensuring our manufacturing lines remain balanced and efficient. You will have the opportunity to implement lean methodologies, refine our inventory tracking, and play a direct role in scaling our production capacity to meet growing market demand. If you possess a sharp analytical mind, a deep understanding of manufacturing processes, and a passion for operational excellence, we would love to hear from you.
Key highlights
A Production Planner is a specialized manufacturing expert responsible for synchronizing production schedules with supply chain capacity and customer demand. By leveraging sophisticated ERP and MRP systems, a Production Planner balances labor availability, raw material procurement, and machine uptime to maintain optimal inventory levels. Their work is critical to reducing lead times and ensuring that manufacturing output consistently meets rigorous quality standards while maximizing facility profitability.
On a daily basis, a Production Planner analyzes demand signals, updates master production schedules (MPS), and manages work orders within an ERP platform like SAP, NetSuite, or Oracle. They collaborate with procurement teams to mitigate material shortages and coordinate with floor supervisors to resolve bottlenecks that could jeopardize shipment deadlines. Furthermore, they perform capacity analysis, generate performance reports on manufacturing KPIs, and implement inventory management strategies to minimize waste and capital tied up in work-in-process (WIP) stock.
What does a Production Planner do on a daily basis?
A Production Planner spends their day reconciling customer demand with factory capacity. This involves updating production schedules in the ERP system, verifying raw material availability, communicating with floor supervisors to clear bottlenecks, and adjusting schedules when machine downtime or supply chain disruptions occur.
What are the most important skills for a Production Planner?
The most vital skills include technical proficiency in ERP/MRP software, advanced data analysis in Excel or BI tools, and a deep understanding of manufacturing processes. Furthermore, soft skills like cross-departmental coordination, critical thinking, and the ability to remain calm under the pressure of tight deadlines are essential for success.
What is the career path for a Production Planner?
A Production Planner often progresses into roles such as Senior Planner, Supply Chain Manager, or Operations Manager. Those with strong analytical skills may also transition into roles focused on process engineering or data-driven business strategy, especially as they gain certifications like CPIM or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt.
Why is the Production Planner role critical to manufacturing?
The Production Planner acts as the brain of the factory floor, ensuring the right products are made at the right time. Without effective planning, companies risk stockouts, lost sales, excessive inventory carrying costs, and inefficient use of human and machine resources, making this role central to the organization's profitability.