Planner

Job Overview

The Production Planner is responsible for executing production and materials planning activities within a SAP-driven manufacturing environment. This role ensures accurate and efficient planning of production orders to meet customer demand, maintain optimal inventory levels, and support plant operational goals. The position primarily supports Make‑to‑Stock (MTS) production while coordinating select Make‑to‑Order (MTO) requirements as needed. The Production Planner works cross-functionally with manufacturing, materials, and customer service teams to ensure schedule adherence, material availability, and timely order fulfillment.

A Day In The Life

Production Planning & Scheduling

• Develop and maintain detailed production schedules in alignment with demand forecasts, customer orders, and capacity constraints.
• Convert planned orders into production/process orders in SAP and manage order releases.
• Sequence and adjust production schedules to optimize throughput, minimize changeovers, and meet delivery commitments.
• Ensure production plans align with MTS strategies (forecast, safety stock, reorder point) while supporting MTO orders as required.

SAP Execution & System Management

• Execute daily planning activities within SAP, including:
• Running MRP and reviewing exception messages
• Managing planned orders, purchase requisitions (as informational only if no purchasing ownership), and production orders
• Monitoring and maintaining accurate scheduling and planning parameters
• Maintain data accuracy for material master settings such as:
• Lead times
• Lot sizing
• MRP types and planning strategies
• Analyze and resolve SAP planning exceptions to ensure continuity of supply.

Material Coordination

• Ensure materials are available to support production schedules by coordinating closely with procurement (without direct ownership).
• Monitor shortages, expedite critical components, and communicate risks to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with warehouse and logistics teams to ensure timely material flow.

Inventory Management

• Support inventory targets by balancing service levels with inventory investment.
• Monitor excess, slow-moving, and obsolete inventory; recommend corrective actions.
• Assist with cycle count variance analysis and inventory accuracy initiatives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Manufacturing to ensure production schedule adherence and resolve daily execution issues.
• Communicate schedule priorities, changes, and recovery plans clearly to operations teams.
• Work with Customer Service/Sales to manage order priorities, expedites, and customer expectations.
• Participate in daily/weekly production and planning meetings.

Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Track and support key performance indicators (KPIs), including:
• On-Time Delivery / OTIF
• Past Due Backlog/Aging Past Due
• Schedule adherence
• Inventory turns and DOS/DOH
• Plan attainment
• Identify root causes of plan deviations and contribute to corrective actions.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance planning accuracy, efficiency, and responsiveness.

What will help you thrive in this role?

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 2–5 years of experience in production planning, materials planning, or supply chain within a manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience using SAP (ECC or S/4HANA) for planning and production execution.
• Strong understanding of MRP concepts and planning in a Make‑to‑Stock environment; exposure to Make‑to‑Order processes preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Effective communication and coordination skills across functional teams.
• APICS CPIM certification or progress toward certification is a plus