Production Planner - Power Systems Division

Company Description

Miller® is about building things that matter. We lead the welding industry in building advanced, solution-focused products and meeting crucial needs for welding safety and health.

We’re about the partnership and the work. Our products are designed with our users for manufacturing, fabrication, construction, aviation, motorsports, education, agriculture and marine applications.

Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, is headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, and wholly owned by Illinois Tool Works (NYSE: ITW). The company maintains its industry leadership by setting the standard for reliability, quality and responsiveness. Our tagline, “The Power of Blue®,” is inspired by the blue color of Miller equipment.

The company began with an innovation that responded to customer needs, growing from a one-man operation in 1929, to the world’s largest manufacturer of arc welding products. Miller keeps the tradition alive by focusing on its top priority: people.

Job Description

The Production Planner executes the planning activities to optimize finished goods inventory levels across the supply chain network. This position is responsible for both strategic and tactical production scheduling to meet customer requirements while minimizing working capital, manufacturing, and distribution cost as well. The role requires the ability to communicate clearly and openly with both operations personnel regarding production schedules and the materials team regarding capacity and material constraints.  This individual will use independent judgment and discretion consistent with company standards and expectations.

Essential Duties and Tasks; Responsibilities and Expectations

• Develops production schedule for assembly lines and departments finding the right balance between customer deliveries and production efficiency.

• Identify and implement best practices for the role and create standard documentation to support the process.
• Actively participate in problem solving and process improvements with operations, materials, product management and customer service. 
• Work with our sales and marketing team on initiatives impacting operations including seasonal fluctuations, price increases, promotions, and new product launches.
• Analyze and create operating schedules that support maximizing assembly line and labor efficiency and efficiently utilize material while meeting customer requirements.

• Assesses production progress to plan and measures overall schedule attainment.
• Manage inventory target levels for finished goods using MRD methodology, BI reports and D365.
• Adjust schedules to address unexpected situations such as production downtime, staffing shortages, a spike in customer demand and material shortages.
• Key point person for on the operations side for month end close working with accounting and production

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.  Business, Operations, or Supply Chain Management degrees preferred.
• Prior experience in a Production Scheduling role and prior experience utilizing ERP system is preferred.
• D365 experience is a plus.
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with other functional areas to build trusted relationships.
• Effective trouble shooting, problem solving, and organizational skills.
• Understanding of the extended process of material procurement, capacity planning, inventory analysis and planning techniques.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to perform complex requirements.

• Proficient using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point); Proficient in MS Excel, including advanced spreadsheet creation and manipulation
• Excellent organizational, planning, and attention to detail
• Willingness to learn and grow
• Self-motivated with a high level of personal drive
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran st