A Career as a Production Planner/Materials Planner

Find Production Planner Jobs

Today’s Career in the Spotlight is Production Planner / Materials Planner. Not all companies have the same job titles for the same type of position, so here are some sample job titles you may find this role to be called in other organizations: (Click on Title to find Jobs with that job title)

I happen to be recruiting for a Production Planner as I’m writing this blog post. You can check out the job here: Production Planner, PA

Summary of Role

Coordinate and expedite the flow of work and materials within or between departments of an establishment according to production schedule. Duties include reviewing and distributing production, work, and shipment schedules; conferring with department supervisors to determine progress of work and completion dates; and compiling reports on progress of work, inventory levels, costs, and production problems.

Job Tasks

Distribute production schedules or work orders to departments.
Review documents, such as production schedules, work orders, or staffing tables, to determine personnel or materials requirements or material priorities.
Requisition and maintain inventories of materials or supplies necessary to meet production demands.
Arrange for delivery, assembly, or distribution of supplies or parts to expedite flow of materials and meet production schedules.
Confer with department supervisors or other personnel to assess progress and discuss needed changes.
Revise production schedules when required due to design changes, labor or material shortages, backlogs, or other interruptions, collaborating with management, marketing, sales, production, or engineering.
Confer with establishment personnel, vendors, or customers to coordinate production or shipping activities and to resolve complaints or eliminate delays.
Examine documents, materials, or products and monitor work processes to assess completeness, accuracy, and conformance to standards and specifications.
Record production data, including volume produced, consumption of raw materials, or quality control measures.
Calculate figures, such as required amounts of labor or materials, manufacturing costs, or wages, using pricing schedules, adding machines, calculators, or computers.
Compile information, such as production rates and progress, materials inventories, materials used, or customer information, so that status reports can be completed.
Compile and prepare documentation related to production sequences, transportation, personnel schedules, or purchase, maintenance, or repair orders.
Maintain files, such as maintenance records, bills of lading, or cost reports.
Contact suppliers to verify shipment details.
Plan production commitments or timetables for business units, specific programs, or jobs, using sales forecasts.
Establish and prepare product construction directions and locations and information on required tools, materials, equipment, numbers of workers needed, and cost projections.
Provide documentation and information to account for delays, difficulties, or changes to cost estimates.