MPI Calera - Production Planner

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and highly organized Production Planner to collaborate with diverse stakeholders in a rapidly evolving, high-mix/low-volume manufacturing environment. The Production Planner will apply project management principles to initiate, plan, execute, monitor, and close projects, ensuring effective and successful planning processes. This position will analyze historical data for informed decision-making and to improve forecast accuracy while reducing stockouts and overproduction, ensuring a commitment to high-quality standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure personal safety and the safety of your team members.
• Partner with Sales, Engineering, and Customer Service to understand and validate sales order demand (MTO) and forecasted demand (MTS); develop and maintain master production schedules (MPS for both MTO and MTS products
• Identify and define production planning requirements based on customer commitments, inventory levels, and capacity constraints.
• Initiate planning cycles in D365 to generate MRP outputs and align with business goals.
• Translate sales orders and forecasts into executable production plans using D365 MRP.
• Balance demand with available capacity, material availability, and lead times.
• Coordinate with Purchasing to ensure timely procurement of materials based on MRP outputs.
• Plan inventory levels, reorder points, safety stock, and lot sizes to support MTS strategy.
• Maintain planning parameters in D365 such as lead times, safety stock levels, min/max order quantities, and reorder points.
• Issue daily and weekly production schedules to the Shop Superintendent/Supervisor.
• Release work orders in D365 based on material availability and shop floor capacity.
• Ensure timely execution of production orders to meet customer ship dates and OTD (On-Time Delivery) targets.
• Coordinate with Quality to ensure production adheres to QMS standards and specifications.
• Communicate with Shipping to ensure timely dispatch of completed goods.
• Monitor production progress and adjust schedules as needed to respond to changes in demand, capacity, or material availability.
• Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) such as OTD, backlog, and schedule adherence.
• Maintain accurate and current data in D365, including work order status, ship dates, and inventory levels.
• Use visual management tools (e.g., production boards, resource boards) to track daily goals and performance.
• Identify and resolve bottlenecks or constraints in production flow; coordinate with other MPI locations as needed.
• Ensure proper documentation and communication of scrap/rework processes in D365 and QT9.
• Ensure proper closure of work orders in D365 before shipment (RAF and Ended).
• Ensure materials and labor are allocated to the work order.
• Conduct post-production analysis to identify variances and opportunities for improvement.
• Complete transactions for variances from issued w/o to completion.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to planning, scheduling, and inventory management.

Qualifications & Requirements

Required

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, management, or other relevant field or combination of education, training, and work experience.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in inventory management, supply chain, project management, or warehouse management
• Minimum 3 years' experience with production planning
• Proficiency with MS Office suite
• Working knowledge of D365 preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• High level of integrity, while being proficient with time management and strong communication skills; strong emphasis on active listening
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required
• Self-directed and self-motivated individual with attention to detail, while exhibiting strong organization and interpersonal skills
• Leadership skills
• Must embrace safe and environmentally responsible workplace practices
• Ability to work and communicate effectively in a collaborative environment

Working Conditions

• Standing, walking, stooping, balancing, kneeling, reaching, and sitting are some physical requirements.
• Ability to sit at a desk and work on a computer for long periods.
• Must be able to meet and adhere to physical requirements and wear the appropriate PPE (steel-toed boots, safety glasses, hearing protection).
• Will be required to work in the following conditions: heat, cold, noise, and vibration.
• Must be able to work in dust and fumes.
• May be required to work extended hours depending on customer and company demands.
• Able to tolerate being exposed to loud noises.

Additional Information

Excellent benefits include 9 paid holidays plus 2 floating holidays, 3 weeks PTO, 401k and company health insurance plans, Education Assistance, a Wellness Program, and EAP.

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 employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.