Associate Production Planner Apparel

Associate Production Planner (Apparel)

We are partnering with a leading global fashion and retail organization to hire an Associate Production Planner to join their apparel team in Columbus. This role supports end-to-end order management, production tracking, and delivery execution across multiple product channels, partnering closely with vendors and cross-functional teams to ensure accurate order flow and on-time performance. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, adaptable, and thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Location: Columbus, OH (hybrid)

Duration: 3-month contract

Pay Rate: $33.79/hour

Hours: 40 hours/week

Responsibilities:

Manage the end-to-end purchase order lifecycle, including order creation, maintenance, amendments, and delivery tracking.

Monitor production milestones, including dye, cut, and shipment dates, to ensure timely execution and delivery.

Track and report on open orders, commitments, and production schedules across multiple channels.

Collaborate with offshore and regional partners to resolve order, article, and system-related issues.

Maintain accurate order data within planning and production systems, including SAP and other internal tools.

Support capacity planning activities by ensuring order accuracy and tracking outstanding commitments.

Review and manage liabilities, cancellations, dispute cases, and raw material reconciliations.

Prepare and distribute production reports, delivery updates, and order status summaries.

Support the creation and maintenance of production schedules and tracking documents.

Participate in weekly production and planning meetings, providing updates on risks, delays, and issue resolution.

Escalate critical production or delivery challenges while proactively identifying solutions.

Partner cross-functionally with Logistics, Planning, Merchandising, Product Development, Distribution Operations, Vendors, and Regional Teams to ensure smooth production execution.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree required.

1-3 years of experience in production planning, supply chain, operations, merchandising, sourcing, or a related field.

Internship experience in a corporate environment is preferred.

Strong Microsoft Office proficiency, including advanced Excel skills.

Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.

Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to work collaboratively across a highly cross-functional organization.

Comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities and deadlines.

Previous production, order management, or apparel industry experience is a plus.