Production

Production Scheduler job description

A Production Scheduler optimizes manufacturing throughput by managing workflows, material availability, and labor capacity. Learn what a Production Scheduler does.

Published February 2, 2025Updated May 17, 20261677 likes

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Job brief

We are looking for a detail-oriented Production Scheduler to take ownership of our master production schedule and drive efficiency across our manufacturing facility. You will be the primary point of contact for balancing production capacity with incoming orders, ensuring that our resources are utilized effectively to meet high-volume shipping demands. This role is perfect for a data-savvy individual who enjoys the challenge of solving complex scheduling puzzles and collaborating with cross-departmental teams to streamline output. Join us to refine our planning processes and contribute directly to our company’s growth and production success.

Key highlights

Develop and maintain the Master Production Schedule (MPS) using ERP tools to ensure synchronization with sales forecasts and inventory requirements.
Analyze MRP exception reports daily to identify and resolve material shortages, supplier lead time variances, and production capacity constraints.
Optimize production batch sizes and sequence work orders to minimize machine changeover times and maximize overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
Monitor real-time production output against targets, flagging discrepancies to operations managers and adjusting schedules to mitigate potential delays.

What is a Production Scheduler?

A Production Scheduler is a critical manufacturing professional responsible for orchestrating the flow of goods from raw material procurement to finished product output. By utilizing advanced ERP systems and capacity planning software, a Production Scheduler aligns production timelines with customer demand to ensure maximum operational efficiency. Their work balances inventory levels, equipment uptime, and labor availability, playing a central role in maintaining an organization's competitive edge and operational excellence.

What does a Production Scheduler do?

On a daily basis, a Production Scheduler analyzes MRP (Material Requirements Planning) output to generate executable shop floor schedules that minimize downtime and changeover costs. They interact heavily with floor managers, procurement teams, and maintenance leads to resolve material shortages or equipment bottlenecks that threaten delivery commitments. Beyond tactical scheduling, they monitor key metrics such as On-Time In-Full (OTIF) delivery rates and cycle times, preparing data-driven reports that identify opportunities for lean manufacturing improvements and process scaling.

Key responsibilities

Develop and maintain the Master Production Schedule (MPS) using ERP tools to ensure synchronization with sales forecasts and inventory requirements.
Analyze MRP exception reports daily to identify and resolve material shortages, supplier lead time variances, and production capacity constraints.
Coordinate with the procurement department to ensure raw materials are staged at the point of use to support uninterrupted manufacturing cycles.
Optimize production batch sizes and sequence work orders to minimize machine changeover times and maximize overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
Monitor real-time production output against targets, flagging discrepancies to operations managers and adjusting schedules to mitigate potential delays.
Collaborate with maintenance and quality assurance teams to build preventative maintenance windows and inspection cycles into the production plan.
Generate accurate capacity utilization reports and labor requirement forecasts to support HR and operations in effective workforce planning.
Maintain high levels of data integrity within our ERP system to ensure that system-calculated lead times and safety stocks remain accurate.

Requirements and skills

3+ years of experience in production scheduling, master planning, or inventory control within a complex manufacturing or industrial environment.
Advanced proficiency with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics 365, or Epicor for managing work orders and BOMs.
Demonstrated ability to perform capacity analysis and material flow optimization using Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs) or dedicated BI tools.
Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Theory of Constraints (TOC) to identify and eliminate production bottlenecks.
Professional certification such as APICS CPIM (Certified in Planning and Inventory Management) or CSCP is highly preferred.
Ability to communicate technical scheduling constraints and production status updates clearly to cross-functional stakeholders and shop floor leadership.
Analytical mindset with the ability to troubleshoot scheduling conflicts and make rapid, informed decisions under shifting production demands.
Comprehensive understanding of warehouse management systems (WMS) and their integration with production scheduling to ensure seamless supply chain flow.

FAQs

What does a Production Scheduler do on a daily basis?

A Production Scheduler manages the day-to-day workflow of a manufacturing plant by turning demand forecasts into actionable shop floor schedules. They spend their time reconciling inventory levels, tracking raw material arrivals, and adjusting machine assignments in the ERP system to ensure production targets are met. They also act as a central hub, communicating with production supervisors, warehouse staff, and procurement teams to resolve any conflicts that could stall the assembly line.

What are the essential skills for a Production Scheduler?

A successful Production Scheduler requires a mix of technical proficiency and analytical rigor. Key skills include mastery of ERP and MRP software, high-level proficiency in Microsoft Excel, and a deep understanding of manufacturing methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma. Additionally, strong problem-solving skills and the ability to maintain composure when managing conflicting production priorities are essential for success in this high-paced role.

Who does a Production Scheduler work with most frequently?

The Production Scheduler serves as a critical link between several departments. They work closely with the procurement team to ensure material flow, collaborate with floor supervisors to manage labor and equipment, and provide critical data to the sales and customer service teams regarding shipping lead times. They also interface with quality and maintenance departments to ensure production schedules account for necessary machine upkeep and product testing.

Why is the role of a Production Scheduler important to a business?

The Production Scheduler is vital because they directly influence the profitability and reliability of a manufacturing business. By optimizing the balance between labor, materials, and machine capacity, they reduce waste, minimize unnecessary overtime, and ensure that customer orders are delivered on time. Without an effective Production Scheduler, companies often struggle with stockouts, excessive inventory costs, and missed shipping deadlines.