Summary of Position The Production Planner I is responsible for optimizing the master schedule through the coordination of customer orders, available materials, machine schedules and labor utilization. Develop detailed plans to prioritize operations efficiency and customer needs, while being flexible and adaptable to unplanned events. This role requires a detailed understanding of customer priorities, production capabilities and priorities, and coordination with customer success advisors and production supervisors. This role is responsible for maintaining world-class on-time delivery by properly planning within the constraints of machine capacity, materials, and labor availability, while enforcing the Sussex IM "Rules of the Schedule". Essential Duties, Responsibilities, & Authority

• Plans production of WIP inventory and evaluate the cost/benefit of keeping stock on hand, based on customer requirements, efficiency, capacity, and availability of materials
• Reviews daily production shift notes and establishes & communicates to the broader team the 24-hour production priorities. Adjusts priorities as necessary based on changes and unplanned events
• Leads the daily 8 AM production meeting, ensuring that all production personnel understand the daily priorities and have appropriate machine and labor capacity to meet their goals
• Works with Quality Department to monitor rework and prioritize based on customer demand, labor utilization, and availability of required paperwork
• Leads weekly Materials/Capacity/Labor meeting to set schedule, plan labor goals, and prioritize material deliveries based on customer order demand
• Promptly & effectively communicates any changes in planned due dates to Customer Success Team
• Monitors daily production totals and scrap levels, works with manufacturing team to get to the root cause of high scrap jobs and improve labor efficiency
• Leads the setup of the ERP system for Runs the Best, Scheduling Parameters, and Autoload of the schedule to utilize the system for maximum scheduling efficiencies
• Participates in daily shop floor GEMBA walks & provides solutions for improvement
• Assists the Engineering team in New Product Development, specifically related to press availability for samples, manufacturing process improvements, and labor availability
• Works closely with the Supply Chain team in data cleansing of obsolete/slow moving inventory, old or inactive item numbers, alternative uses for materials, etc.
• Actively seeks to provide solutions to improve the company's operating capabilities to determine root cause, meet KPI goals and improve processes flow and efficiencies.
• Provides guidance to Director of Manufacturing on machine utilization and needs for machinery and equipment used in manufacturing
• Responsible for job descriptions, job reviews, and salary recommendations of direct reports. Evaluates the performance of the personnel on a timely basis and in accordance with the Company's appraisal system. Discusses wage/salary adjustments, additional personnel needs, and status changes with Director of Manufacturing.
• Follows Sussex IM's environmental policies to protect and minimize our impact on the environment.
• Maintains a safe 5S working environment to minimize the possibility of an injury. Always acts in a safe manner and ensures that those around them do not put themselves or others at risk. Reports any unsafe conditions to a manager.
• Performs other related duties and assignments as assigned or required. Required Education, Credentials, & Certifications
• Bachelor's or Associates Degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain or equivalent Job Specification
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in production planning
• A minimum of 8 years experience using ERP systems (IQMS/Delmiaworks preferred)
• Experience in an injection molding manufacturing environment preferred
• Some weekend work required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Strong analytical & critical thinking skills
• Excellent ability to multi-task and meet deadlines each day
• Ability to proactively anticipate issues and plan appropriately in a fast-paced environment
• Quick learner; willing to learn and understand injection molding manufacturing processes
• Continuous improvement mindset - the ability to think outside the box and find ways to improve productivity and reduce costs in all aspects of the business
• Excellent communication skills between multiple departments with conflicting priorities
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Must be able to act as a change agent within the organization, comfortable using influence rather than authority to make change
• Advanced computer skills with MS Office and ERP systems
• Knowledge of BOMs, MRP, and relationship within the ERP system on production
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to articulate priorities and issues to upper management as necessary
• Working knowledge of Lean practices and principles
• Ability to be in the plant, walking the shop floor for 50% of the day

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Health insurance Health savings account Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person