Production Planner/Scheduler

At Utz Quality Foods, we're looking for a detail-oriented and analytical Production Scheduler to join our team in Hanover, PA. This role plays a critical part in balancing customer demand, inventory targets, and plant capacity to keep production running efficiently while minimizing stock-outs, excess inventory, and downtime. The Production Scheduler serves as a key connection point between Manufacturing, Purchasing, Finance, and Supply Chain teams to ensure schedules, materials, and inventory data stay aligned in a fast-paced production environment. This position requires strong decision-making, organization, and communication skills, along with the ability to adapt quickly to changing production priorities and business needs.

Responsibilities:

Plan weekly production schedules based on sales trends, inventory levels, promotions, maintenance schedules, sanitation, and plant capacity Analyze inventory and demand data to maintain adequate inventory levels while minimizing overproduction Monitor schedule attainment and adjust production priorities based on operational changes and customer demand Review daily inventories and adjust production schedules as needed to meet operational demands Generate and distribute daily manufacturing schedules for production lines Partner with Manufacturing and Finance teams to resolve ERP discrepancies, close production runs, and address inventory variances Maintain accurate ERP and production data to support inventory accuracy and operational reporting Support monthly inventory processes and help investigate and resolve inventory issues Coordinate with Purchasing to ensure raw materials and packaging supplies are available to support production schedules Collaborate with plant leadership to balance service levels, production efficiency, and inventory performance Communicate production updates, schedule changes, new items, discontinued items, and seasonal production needs with cross-functional teams Participate in planning meetings related to promotions, new products, production changes, and ERP initiatives Respond to daily production reporting and provide updates on SKU performance and production status Support continuous improvement efforts related to scheduling efficiency and inventory management

Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience) Experience in production scheduling, manufacturing planning, inventory control, or related field preferred Hands-on experience using ERP systems and production scheduling tools Experience working cross-functionally with Operations, Purchasing, and Finance teams Strong analytical, math, and problem-solving skills Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines Ability to prioritize and adapt quickly in a fast-paced manufacturing environment Strong attention to detail with a high level of ownership and accountability Strong communication and interpersonal skills Working knowledge of manufacturing processes, machinery capabilities, and production setups preferred Familiarity with product specifications such as weights, pricing, case packs, and UPCs is a plus Experience with inventory analysis, forecasting, or production reporting preferred Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel Ability to work independently while contributing within a collaborative team environment

External Recruitment Process:

Easy Application (5 mins): Introduce yourself and answer a few key questions to get started. Engaging Chat Interview (20-25 mins): Share your experiences in an online chat, highlighting how your values align with ours.

Live Interview:

Selected candidates will meet with the hiring manager to explore their alignment with the team and overall Utz company culture. Continuously Pursuing Excellence! Here at Utz, we have a passion for exciting and delighting consumers with delicious snack foods made from high quality ingredients. After over a century with a strong family heritage, our diverse portfolio of brands includes Utz, Zapp's, Boulder Canyon, and On the Border. Our associates are the reason for the success of this company, so it is important we provide a supportive, caring and inclusive environment that offers opportunities for career growth and advancement. We also help take care of our associates by providing benefits, resources, and programs that ensure they live their healthiest lives. Our full-time benefit package includes medical, dental, and vision plans, an employer match 401k, profit sharing plan, employee stock purchase plan and much more. Join our world class team and help us become the fastest growing pure-play U.S. snacking company of scale! Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.