Production Planner

Position Summary

Position Summary:

Coordinates and performs quoting, planning, scheduling, job order and inventory management functions required to support manufacturing production schedule, ensuring just-in-time delivery of materials, appropriate inventory levels, and efficient production plans.  Ensures performance to the master schedule to achieves division objectives for customer service, inventory levels, and configuration management by planning, preparing, issuing, and controlling material requirements to ensure achievement of business unit and division objectives.

Position will directly report to the Materials Manager. Will interact with all levels of division management including operational, engineering, quality control, customer experience, marketing and finance. Key supplier and key customer contact required.

Essential Functions:

1.  Work within supply chain critical systems (eCapacity / eProcurement / KanbanBox / Local tools) to plan production schedule.

2.  Plan shop load by issuing job orders in accordance with the ERP process and work instructions, revising shop loads and job orders, as required.

3.  Maintain inventory at optimal levels to meet business unit and division targets.

4.  Ensure deliveries are maintained at a 95% or better on-time rate, tracking and countermeasuring rootcauses for late deliveries (supply and finished goods) to prevent recurrence.

5.  Lead, initiate, and complete expediting materials and delivery of finished goods where required and in accordance with division policies.

6.  Maintain accurate measurements and records for evaluation of suppliers, recording / tracking supplier performance across key metrics (delivery, quality, cost.)

7.  Lead and support kaizen initiatives as well as high performance teams to drive continuous improvement in overall supply chain and operations performance.

8.  Forecast material requirements from production specifications, operational schedules and engineering quality requirements.

9.  Support procurement of site purchases for operations-related expenses and supplies, minimizing cost across wherever possible.

10.  Provide timely site reports / data as required by division, Group, Corporate, including but not limited to key performance metrics, month-end and spend-related reports.

11.  Collaborate with internal stakeholders to implement cost savings initiatives where appropriate.

12.  Follow escalation protocols, ensuring timely resolution of issues and continuity of business with customers. 

13.  Create and maintain standardized work for area of responsibility. 

14.  Train and cross-train on key supply chain functions. 

15.  Lead change point management related to material or component changes. 

16.  Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

- 4-year college degree in supply chain, business, engineering, or materials management required.

- Demonstrated experience in delivery performance management and order expediting / management.

- Advanced computer skills with working knowledge of ERP systems, EDI, and Microsoft applications (Excel, Accesss, Outlook, Teams).

- Analytical and technical skills required to understand business practices and recommend proper process improvement and automation opportunities.

- Exposure / training / experience in lean manufacturing processes with demonstrated willingness to embrace lean principles and practices.

- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills for effective interface with all internal and external contacts.

Desired experience:

-  Rubber Chemical industry and/or applications knowledge of rubber chemical compounds.

-  Minimum 2 years' experience using ERP systems in production control, planning / schedule.

-  Lean supply chain management practices

-  APICS or other supply chain certification.

Additional Comments:

The essential functions have been provided as examples of the type of work performed by employees assigned to this job classification. The Company reserves the right to modify the work assignments and/or to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions. The job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities. It is intended to describe the general nature of the position.