Production Planner

Job Description

Production Planner

Welcome to the SmithFoods family.

High Quality. Always Fresh.

For over 100 years, SmithFoods has been a leader within the dairy industry and has progressed into an innovative leader within private label and contract manufacturing services for dairy and non-dairy products.

Joining SmithFoods as the Production Planner allows you a fresh opportunity to make a significant impact in an ever-evolving organization.

Be an Owner.

The Production Planner schedules and coordinates the plant production schedules in support of internal and external customer order demand and forecasts, ensuring that goods are produced on time and in full in accordance with quality and operational standards.

Your Work Matters.

Plan and manage production schedules by reviewing inventory, demand, and forecasts to fill open orders as well as effectively utilize the company’s production capacity

Monitor inventory supply and identify any potential shortages that could create service disruptions

Plan production around target inventory levels while maintaining customer required shelf life

Identify and solve for inventory issues related to obsolescence and rework

Look for ways to optimize schedules and run sequencing to partner with and optimize manufacturing plant operations

Interface cross functionally with Operations and Supply Chain on material status and production planning issues

Continuously improve the planning and scheduling process, including building knowledge and understanding of product production mix and plant operations

Work with production personnel and customers to schedule trial production runs including the sourcing of test materials, production forms, and timing

Manage the daily/weekly production schedule and communicate the schedule as well as any changes to plant associates

Participate in and help coordinate the execution of product launch initiatives

Develop and achieve departmental/company goals

Assist with forecasting and ordering of commodities

Assure that the needed direct goods are delivered to support the production schedule

Work closely and communicate regularly with Procurement to identify packaging and ingredient shortages

Interact with customers on customer orders, product adjustments, packaging transitions, new product start-ups, etc.

Provide back-up to other Production Planners as needed

Other duties as assigned

Required Duties of all Associates.

Manage all company business according to the cultural objectives of the company (values and behaviors)

Understand and execute the principles of the company’s Operational Excellence program driving the right behaviors, standards and continuous improvement across all operating entities

Participate in cross-functional teams as required to advance the business interests of the company

Compliance with all company and regulatory policies/guidelines relating to associate safety, food safety and food quality

Competencies

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to effectively plan, organize and prioritize work

Self-directed with the ability to work independently as well as with groups

Must have good organizational and problem solving skills

Must relate and work well with others

Able to attend educational/training meetings and seminars as required

Confidentiality a must

Strong time management skills

Must demonstrate excellent analytical and critical thinking skills

Comfortable in fast-paced environment

Education and Experience Required:

Bachelor’s Degree (Business or Supply Chain preferred)

Three to five years of experience in planning / procurement, located in a production facility

Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office, Analysis Services, Reporting Services

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

Must be flexible with ability to work additional hours as workload, schedules and timetables dictate

Generally, Monday – Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Occasional weekends and holidays, as required

Position is on-site at manufacturing facility

Travel

As needed for training or meetings

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the associate for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the company.

This role is not eligible for sponsorship.

EEO Statement

SmithFoods is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants for employment, recruitment, hiring, training, transfer, promotion, pay, benefits, lay-off, demotion or termination of employment will be made without consideration of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, military status, ancestry, veteran status, or any other protected classification under applicable federal, state or local law.