Production Scheduler

Position Summary

Owns the Company's production scheduling process, balancing customer demand, manufacturing capacity, material availability, and labor resources to ensure products are produced efficiently and delivered on time. Establishes scheduling standards and coordinates across departments to maximize throughput, minimize disruptions, and support operational and financial objectives.

Key Business Outcomes

• Production schedules are developed, maintained, and communicated to ensure customer orders are completed and shipped on time.
• Manufacturing resources are utilized efficiently through balanced production plans that align capacity with demand.
• Production bottlenecks, constraints, and scheduling conflicts are identified and resolved proactively.
• Material shortages are minimized through close coordination with Purchasing, Inventory, and Operations teams.
• Schedule adherence and production performance metrics are established, monitored, and continuously improved.
• Changes in customer demand, production priorities, and resource availability are effectively managed with minimal disruption.
• Manufacturing lead times are optimized while maintaining quality, safety, and customer service standards.
• Cross-functional communication supports consistent production planning and execution throughout the organization.

Job ResultsAccountabilities

• Develops and maintains detailed production schedules based on customer demand, inventory levels, production capacity, and material availability.
• Coordinates with Sales, Customer Service, Purchasing, Inventory, and Manufacturing personnel to establish production priorities.
• Monitors schedule adherence and adjusts production plans as needed to address changing business requirements.
• Identifies production constraints and works with department leaders to develop solutions that maximize throughput and efficiency.
• Maintains production planning data within the ERP system and ensures scheduling information remains accurate and current.
• Analyzes production performance, lead times, capacity utilization, and workflow trends to support continuous improvement.
• Communicates schedule changes, production priorities, and recovery plans to affected departments.
• Partners with Purchasing and Inventory teams to ensure materials are available to support scheduled production requirements.
• Develops and tracks key production scheduling metrics including on-time completion, schedule attainment, capacity utilization, and manufacturing lead times.
• Supports plant operations by providing accurate forecasts and planning information needed for workforce and equipment utilization.
• Recommends process improvements that enhance scheduling accuracy, efficiency, and overall operational performance.

Division of Ownership

The Production Scheduler owns the Company's production planning and scheduling processes, including production priorities, capacity planning, schedule communication, and collaboration with sales to bridge the gap between production capacity and market demand. Department managers retain responsibility for executing work according to established schedules while maintaining safety, quality, and productivity standards.

Performance Measurement

Performance is measured by on-time production completion, schedule attainment, manufacturing lead times, capacity utilization, inventory availability, reduced downtime resulting from scheduling issues, and overall customer service performance. Success is demonstrated by maintaining efficient production flow while balancing customer expectations, operational capacity, and business objectives.

Job Impact

Effective production scheduling is critical to operational success. This role directly impacts customer satisfaction, manufacturing efficiency, inventory utilization, labor productivity, and profitability by ensuring the right products are produced at the right time using available resources.

Education and Experience Required

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in business or related field is a plus.
• Minimum of three years of experience in production scheduling, manufacturing planning, operations, or related field.
• Experience working within a manufacturing or distribution environment.

Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills

• Experience with P21 software or similar ERP/MRP systems.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, capacity planning, and inventory management principles.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and data analysis skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and build collaborative relationships.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles is a plus.

Physical Requirements

Qualified applicants must be able to perform the following physical job requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Both office and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to communicate and exchange information.
• Ability to comprehend and interpret documents, reports, schedules, and production data.
• Ability to occasionally walk throughout manufacturing and warehouse facilities.

Travel

Minimal travel required.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.