Production Planner

The Production Planner is responsible for developing, coordinating, and executing detailed production documentation, as BOM, Dockets, YF, M-specs and schedule production to meet customer demand in a flexible packaging manufacturing environment. This role ensures optimal utilization of manufacturing resources, maintains inventory accuracy, and supports efficient workflow across extrusion, printing, lamination, slitting, and converting operations. The Production Planner works cross‑functionally with Sales, Customer Service, Operations, Procurement, and Quality to ensure on‑time, in‑full (OTIF) delivery of finished goods.

Essential Job Functions:

Production Planning & Scheduling

- Create, maintain pre-production documentation and optimize daily and weekly production schedules across assigned equipment centers (extruders, presses, laminators, slitters, bag/converting machines).

- Translate sales orders, forecasts, and inventory levels into actionable production plans.

- Sequence jobs to minimize changeovers, material waste, and machine downtime.

- Release and manage production work orders, ensuring accuracy in BOMs, routings, and material availability.

Materials & Inventory Coordination

- Coordinate with Purchasing to ensure timely availability of films, inks, adhesives, cylinders/plates, and other raw materials.

- Monitor raw material and finished goods inventory levels, adjusting plans as needed to avoid shortages or overproduction.

- Support cycle counts and contribute to root‑cause analysis for inventory variances.

Cross‑Functional Communication

- Serve as the primary communication link between Customer Service, Operations, and Logistics regarding order status, production constraints, and shipment timelines.

- Participate in daily production meetings and provide updates on schedule adherence, bottlenecks, and customer priorities.

- Escalate potential delays and propose alternative solutions.

Data Management & Reporting

- Maintain accurate data within the related software system.

- Track key planning metrics such as OTIF, schedule adherence, WIP levels, and capacity utilization.

- Generate daily and weekly planning reports and KPIs.

Continuous Improvement

- Identify opportunities to improve planning accuracy, machine efficiency, and material usage.

- Support lean manufacturing initiatives, including SMED, 5S, and waste reduction projects.

- Contribute to root-cause investigations for schedule misses or production issues.

Qualifications

- 2–5 years of production planning or scheduling experience in manufacturing

- Knowledge of lean manufacturing, demand planning, and supply chain optimization

- Experience in flexible packaging preferred (extrusion, printing, lamination, slitting, converting) is an asset

- Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills

- Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel

- Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Key Competencies

- Detail‑oriented with strong accuracy in planning and order management

- Proactive and able to anticipate production constraints

- Collaborative approach with strong interpersonal skills

- Adaptability in a fast‑paced, customer‑driven environment

- Data‑driven mindset with ability to interpret KPIs and trends

Physical Demands

- Primarily a sedentary role, involving extended periods of sitting while working on a computer, reviewing production data, and managing planning schedules

- Frequent walking throughout the manufacturing facility to verify job status, gather information, and collaborate with production teams

- Occasional standing for meetings, production floor reviews, or troubleshooting workflow issues

- Light lifting of up to 10–20 lbs (4.5–9 kg), such as production samples, documents, and binders

- Occasional bending, reaching, or stooping when accessing materials or inspecting production equipment during planning audits

- Regular computer keyboard use, requiring manual dexterity

THE DESCRIPTION ABOVE REPRESENTS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT DUTIES OF THIS POSITION BUT DOES NOT EXCLUDE OTHER OCCASIONAL WORK ASSIGNMENTS NOT MENTIONED.

What we offer

- Employer paid medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage

- Pension plan with generous company match

- Paid vacation and sick days

- Paid holidays

- Life and AD&D insurance

- Company paid short-term disability coverage

- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)