Assistant Production Scheduler Jobs in Normal, IL

Title: Production Planner

Reports to: Production Unit Operations Manager

Objective

The Production Planner is responsible for coordinating and optimizing production schedules to ensure the timely manufacture and delivery of residential and commercial accessibility solutions, including elevators and lifts. This role works closely with customer care, engineering, purchasing, manufacturing, and shipping teams to balance customer demand, material availability, labor capacity, and production efficiency. The Production Planner plays a critical role in supporting on-time delivery, inventory control, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and adjust daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules based on customer orders, forecasts, and production capacity.
• Coordinate with the Purchasing team to ensure material availability aligns with production requirements.
• Review sales orders, engineering releases, and inventory levels to prioritize manufacturing activities.
• Monitor production progress and proactively address scheduling conflicts, material shortages, capacity constraints, and delivery risks.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Customer Service teams to ensure efficient workflow and timely order completion.
• Analyze production data, capacity utilization, and lead times to identify opportunities for process improvements.
• Maintain accurate planning parameters, bills of materials (BOMs), routings, and production data within the ERP/MRP system.
• Generate and distribute production reports, work orders, and schedule updates to key stakeholders.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time delivery, schedule attainment, inventory levels, and production efficiency.
• Support new product introductions and engineering change implementations by coordinating schedule adjustments.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on production flow, inventory optimization, and operational excellence.
• Assist with inventory planning, cycle counts, and demand forecasting activities as needed.
• Communicate production status, risks, and recovery plans to management and cross-functional teams.

Required Job Skills/ Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and manufacturing planning experience may be considered.
• 3–5 years of production planning, scheduling, supply chain, or manufacturing operations experience.
• Experience in a custom manufacturing, engineered-to-order, or assembly environment preferred.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems required.
• Experience in elevator, accessibility equipment, automotive, industrial manufacturing, or related industries is a plus.
• Strong understanding of production planning, inventory control, and capacity management principles.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work cross-functionally.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles is preferred.
• The employee will regularly interact with production personnel, suppliers, and cross-functional departments to support operational objectives and customer satisfaction.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position does not include supervisory responsibilities.

Physical Demands/ Essential Job Functions

This position is located mostly in an office and manufacturing environment, with exposure to:

• Extended periods of sitting or standing.
• Extended and continuous use of office equipment including computers, copier, and telephone.
• Intermittent periods of reaching, stooping, and kneeling.
• Noise levels consistent with a busy office.

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