Production Planner - Manufacturing

Production Planner – Manufacturing & Supply Chain

A well-established Chicago-based manufacturer is seeking an experienced Production Planner to manage end-to-end production planning and scheduling operations. This role is responsible for developing production schedules, coordinating materials and capacity planning, supporting demand forecasting, and ensuring efficient manufacturing operations that meet customer requirements.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of production planning experience in a manufacturing environment, strong knowledge of MRP systems, production scheduling, capacity planning, and supply chain coordination.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain production schedules to meet customer demand and optimize manufacturing resources.
• Manage production planning activities using MRP systems and production data.
• Coordinate with engineering, procurement, manufacturing, distribution, and sales teams to execute production plans.
• Monitor production performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with procurement to ensure timely availability of materials and components.
• Support demand forecasting and adjust production plans based on business requirements.
• Evaluate plant capacity and determine outsourcing needs when required.
• Ensure production order accuracy and schedule adherence.
• Participate in production planning meetings and resolve scheduling conflicts.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, efficiency, and on-time delivery.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience as a Production Planner, Material Planner, Supply Chain Planner, or similar manufacturing planning role.
• Strong knowledge of:
• Production Planning
• Production Scheduling
• MRP (Material Requirements Planning)
• Capacity Planning
• Demand Forecasting
• Supply Chain Operations
• Procurement Coordination
• Experience working in a manufacturing, industrial, engineered products, OEM, fabrication, or related production environment.
• Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• APICS Certification (CPIM, CSCP, or equivalent).
• Experience supporting continuous improvement initiatives and production performance analysis.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Coverage
• AFLAC Options
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 401(k) with Company Match

About the Company

Our client is a respected Chicago manufacturer with more than 60 years of industry experience. The company designs and manufactures engineered specialty products supporting commercial building systems and serves customers throughout North America and international markets.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.