Production Planner
A Production Planner is responsible for coordinating and organizing production schedules to ensure that manufacturing processes are aligned with project deadlines and efficiency goals.
Production Planner
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Sample Job Descriptions for Production Planner
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
We are seeking a detail-oriented and organized individual to join our team as a Junior Production Planner. In this role, you will be responsible for coordinating and expediting the flow of work and materials within or between departments of our manufacturing plant. Your analytical and problem-solving skills will be essential in managing the production schedule and ensuring that all production targets are met efficiently and on time.
Required Skills
  • Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
  • Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Proactive and able to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Capability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
  • Commitment to continuous learning and improvement in supply chain and production processes.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in business management, supply chain, industrial engineering, or a related field.
  • Strong understanding of production processes and supply chain management.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively coordinate with team members and external suppliers.
  • Analytical mindset with the capability to solve complex problems and make data-driven decisions.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel, and familiar with production planning software.
Responsibilities
  • Assist in developing and improving the production planning process to ensure company objectives are achieved.
  • Coordinate with various departments to create and maintain a production schedule.
  • Monitor inventory levels and reorder materials as needed to ensure uninterrupted production.
  • Communicate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials and components.
  • Review production specifications and identify any potential issues or delays in the production process.
  • Prepare reports on production progress and inventory levels for the management team.
  • Collaborate with production staff to address any problems affecting production schedules.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives by analyzing production data and suggesting ways to optimize operations.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The Production Planner is responsible for coordinating and organizing production schedules to meet customer delivery requirements and best utilize the company's productive capacity as well as managing inventory levels.
Required Skills
  • Proactive problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy in planning.
  • Strong time management skills to prioritize tasks.
  • Capacity to make decisions under pressure.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field.
  • 2-5 years of experience in production planning or related field.
  • Strong knowledge of ERP systems and MS Office.
  • Understanding of manufacturing processes and inventory management.
  • Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
  • Strong communication and negotiation skills.
Responsibilities
  • Develop and maintain detailed production schedules that align with company objectives and customer demand.
  • Coordinate with various departments to ensure timely and cost-effective production.
  • Analyze and prepare documents needed for production.
  • Identify and resolve any potential production issues to avoid disruptions.
  • Collaborate with supply chain and procurement to manage inventory levels and ensure the availability of materials.
  • Monitor production progress and adjust schedules as needed.
  • Implement continuous improvement strategies to optimize production processes.
  • Prepare status reports and updates for management review.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The Production Planner is responsible for ensuring that manufacturing processes are optimal, resources are efficiently utilized, and products are delivered to customers on time. They analyze and plan workflow, manage production schedules, and coordinate with various departments to meet production targets. The candidate should be highly analytical, detail-oriented, and proficient in production planning software.
Required Skills
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal capabilities.
  • Proficiency in MS Office and production planning tools.
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
  • Strong leadership and team management skills.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in a production planning or similar role within a manufacturing environment.
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and principles.
  • Experience with production planning software (e.g., ERP, MRP systems).
  • Proven ability to manage complex production schedules.
  • Knowledge of quality control and health and safety standards.
Responsibilities
  • Develop and implement efficient production scheduling strategies to meet customer demands.
  • Monitor production processes and adjust schedules as needed.
  • Collaborate with the procurement team to ensure raw materials are available for production.
  • Work with the production team to identify and resolve bottlenecks in the manufacturing process.
  • Communicate with stakeholders regarding the status of production and any potential delays.
  • Analyze production data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
  • Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
  • Prepare production reports for management review.

Sample Interview Questions