About this role
Job Title: Production Planner
Department: Production
Reports to: Managing Director
Classification: Non-Exempt
Location: Hartland, WI
Travel: None
Job Summary: The Production Planner will perform and ensure manufacturing planning and quality Insurance of manufacturing specifications to meet shipping dates according to sales forecasts or customer orders.
Supervisory Responsibilities
• None
Production Planning & Scheduling
• Develop, maintain, and execute daily and weekly production schedules aligned with customer demand and capacity
• Balance production loads across work centers to optimize throughput and minimize bottlenecks
• Release and prioritize work orders based on demand, material availability, and capacity constraints
Backlog & Order Management
• Manage production backlog to support on-time delivery and lead-time commitments
• Coordinate closely with sales, customer service, and supply chain to address order changes and priority shifts
• Proactively identify risks to delivery commitments and recommend corrective actions
Cross-Functional Coordination
• Serve as the primary liaison between production, purchasing, inventory, and logistics
• Communicate schedule changes, constraints, and priorities to shop floor leadership
• Support escalation and resolution of production issues impacting customer deliveries
System & Data Management
• Maintain accurate production data within the ERP systems (work orders, routings, schedules)
• Monitor key operational KPIs including OTD, schedule adherence, WIP, and backlog
• Support continuous improvement through data-driven analysis and reporting
Continuous Improvement
• Identify opportunities to improve scheduling effectiveness, flow, and lead times
• Support standard work development and documentation related to production control processes
• Participate in operational reviews and improvement initiatives
Education and Experience:
• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associates or Bachelor's degree in related area preferred.
• At least two years of experience in related disciplines including design drafting, production planning, or assembly work, required.
Required Skills/Abilities:
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate them when appropriate.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints to draft clear and detailed manufacturing procedures.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
Physical Requirements:
• Must be able to frequently twist, turn, reach over shoulders, bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, walk.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.