Production Planner

Job Description

Job Description

A Production Planner for an Automotive Plastics Injection Molding company is responsible for developing and maintaining efficient production schedules that align with customer demand, inventory targets, and manufacturing capabilities. This role ensures timely delivery of molded components while optimizing machine utilization and minimizing downtime.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop daily, weekly, and long-term production schedules based on sales forecasts, customer orders, and inventory levels.

• Coordinate with purchasing, engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure material availability and production readiness.

• Monitor injection molding machine capacity, cavitation, and cycle times to optimize throughput.

• Adjust schedules in response to machine downtime, material shortages, or urgent customer needs.

• Trackwork-in-progress and finished goods to ensure on-time delivery and inventory accuracy.

• Collaborate with quality and maintenance teams to minimize disruptions and uphold product standards.

• Analyze production data to identify trends, bottlenecks, and opportunities for continuous improvement.

• Maintain accurate records in ERP/MRP systems and generate reports for management.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Operations Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).

• 3+ years of production planning experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in plastics or automotive.

• Strong understanding of injection molding processes, including cycle time and cavitation planning.

• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and Office 365 software programs. Epicor experience is a plus.

• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Just-in-Time (JIT) principles.

• Experience with machine burden rate analysis and capacity planning.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.