Air Traffic Controller (60928)

About the Role

An Air Traffic Controller serves as the central command for Thistle's Production Organization, orchestrating complex, interdependent processes to ensure seamless meal production, optimal building flow, and on-time delivery. This role acts as the critical communication hub between Kitchen, Warehouse, Logistics, and Production departments, tracking dependencies and driving mitigation strategies to meet Customer Delivery and Logistics requirements. The ATC optimizes production efficiency through proactive planning, real-time monitoring, and strategic coordination across all production processes while maintaining data accuracy and meeting delivery commitments.

How You'll Make a Difference

Production Planning & Coordination:

• Develop multi-cycle forward planning and execute daily schedule optimization
• Create shift plans and input future cycle requirements for Kitchen and Production teams
• Monitor live progress tracking against scheduled plans and drive corrective actions when deviations occur
• Facilitate communication between Kitchen, Production, Warehouse, and Logistics departments

System Management & Data Accuracy:

• Manage Production Planning Tools 
• Ensure data accuracy across Head Count, counts, components, and production execution tracking
• Execute cross-system validation and maintain data integrity across all planning systems
• Coordinate WMS ad hoc requests and requisitions

Risk Management & Optimization:

• Conduct real-time risk assessment for production schedules and Customer Promise Times
• Track throughput rates, monitor labor metrics, and provide VTO recommendations
• Identify production performance to plan risks
• Drive mitigation strategies and maintain flexible scheduling for operational disruptions

Escalation & Communication:

• Escalate critical issues to appropriate leadership and document resolution progress
• Generate reports on production activity, throughput rates, and efficiency metrics
• Coordinate temporary staffing requirements and maintain shift handoff documentation

Who You Are

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• 2+ years of manufacturing experience, preferably in food manufacturing
• Experience with production planning, scheduling, or coordination roles preferred

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in Production Planning systems
• Advanced Google Suite skills, particularly Google Sheets for data management
• Experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and inventory tracking systems

Core Competencies: