Manufacturing Production Planner- Tremont Warehouse

This is a M-F position located on the west side of downtown Indianapolis. The general salary range is $45-$55K and includes full benefits (below):

The Production Planner is responsible for production scheduling, customer service, and inventory management for the production operations.  Works with select customers on orders and schedules production in accordance with due dates and plant capacities.  Using the MRP, orders materials and components based on vendor selection, production schedules, and inventory reports.  Works with production management to ensure on-time complete metrics are met for each customer.  Additionally, assists in the analysis of data in the ERP system in support of plant operations and production control to optimize customer service and production costs.  Prepares shipping and receiving documents and processes inventory transactions.

Example Duties and Activities                                           

• Ensures on-time and complete-for-customer orders through efficient and effective production scheduling, using the ERP system (Microsoft Dynamics 365); creates processes for new customers and/or based on continuous improvement activities.

• Represents Goodwill as the primary liaison with assigned customers on demand/orders, production status, shipping and receiving, and fulfillment. Works with customers to ensure specific production priorities are met. 

• Processes and confirms orders and requirements with customers; negotiates demand due dates as required.

• Creates efficiencies with individual customers through communication and understanding of deliverables.

• Manages inventory and production planning through design and use of ERP system and other tools; maintains inventory levels to meet production needs while reducing working capital.

• Prepares production schedules and priorities based on orders and plant capacity; communicates schedules to the plant management team and customers as appropriate.  Maintains awareness through communication with production of the status of schedules and takes direct action when needed to resolve and/or prevent any delays.

• Communicates with all stakeholders on order and production status.

• Manages the production process through sales order entries, daily evaluation of schedules, closing of production orders, generating shipping documents, and final preparation for invoicing.

• Understands constraints in capacity planning, such as component availability, capacity limitations, stock level requirements, frequency of items, and production families, and incorporates these constraints to maximize production efficiency and output, while achieving the company’s guidelines for service and stock levels.

• Orders materials, components, supplies, or other goods/services; manages vendor relationships and selects new sources as needed.

• Reviews inventory and operating reports to evaluate results and resolve problems. 

• Manages stock levels and replenishment strategies of finished goods and component inventory to ensure production availability and customer service levels.

• Compiles, stores, and retrieves production, purchasing, and inventory data.

• Participates and contributes on special projects and continuous improvement projects.

Required Competencies 

• Degree and Credential Requirements - High school diploma or GED.

• Industry Expertise - Has worked in a production-oriented environment ideally in a warehouse or plant the size of 125,000 square feet or more.  Is experienced in production planning, material and inventory controls, and purchasing, procurement, and vendor negotiations.  Adept working with MRPs and ERPs.  Has familiarity with lean manufacturing systems, quality management systems, logistics, and/or supply chain, ideally having worked with LEAN tools and systems or other continuous improvement processes.  ISO 9001 experience is a plus.

• Communication Skills - Articulates thoughts and expresses ideas effectively using oral, written, visual, and non-verbal communication skills, as well as listening skills to comprehend customers’ needs. Delivers information in person, in writing, and in a digital world.

• Building Collaborative Relationships - Develops, maintains, and strengthens partnerships at all levels with others inside or outside the organization who c