Furnace Manager Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY: 

The Production Scheduler is responsible for developing, maintaining, and optimizing the master production schedule within a powder metal manufacturing facility operating in a multi-shift, capital-intensive environment. This role ensures efficient utilization of presses, sintering furnaces, secondary operations, and labor resources while meeting customer delivery requirements and inventory targets. 

The Scheduler coordinates closely with Sales, Customer Service, Purchasing, Tooling, Maintenance, and Production to balance demand, capacity, and material availability. This position plays a critical role in minimizing changeovers, maximizing press and furnace throughput, and maintaining on-time delivery performance. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Develop and maintain daily and weekly production schedules for compaction presses, sintering furnaces, and secondary operations. 

1. Align schedules with customer demand forecasts and firm orders. 

1. Monitor WIP flow through compacting, sintering, sizing, machining, heat treat, and finishing processes. 

1. Optimize sequencing to reduce die changes, alloy changeovers, and furnace disruptions. 

1. Identify capacity constraints and recommend corrective actions. 

1. Coordinate raw material and powder availability with Purchasing. 

1. Track schedule adherence and report KPIs (OTD, schedule attainment, etc). 

1. Adjust schedules in response to machine downtime, quality issues, or priority changes. 

1. Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on flow, lead time reduction, and inventory control. 

1. Attends and participates in various meetings to discuss project progress, and plant/production/customer related issues  

1. Participate and prepare for various events; including cycle count programs and physical inventory processes and assist customer service to discuss delivery issues directly with customers.  

1. Work with leadership team on budgeting and quarterly forecasts. 

1. Work closely with Quality and Engineering on engineering changes. 

1. Work closely with Tool Designer/Tool & Die shop to ensure tooling is available to meet the production schedule. 

1. Performs other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and upper management. 

1. Minimal travel required. 

SPECIFIC DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:                                                                

Duties and responsibilities as assigned by management. 

SKILLS EXECUTED: 

• High level of analytical ability to solve complex problems. 

• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to prioritize. 

• Ability to present organized and thorough information and data appropriate for intended audience 

• Strong oral and written communication skills. 

• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with highly effective teams 

• Strong customer service focus. 

• Be flexible, adaptable, able and willing to modify activities and direction with an ever-changing business environment. 

• Strong interpersonal skills and work ethic. Ability to get along with diverse personalities. Tactful and mature. 

• Possess a professional attitude and promote the same in others. 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: 

  3+ years production scheduling experience in manufacturing                                      

  Strong understanding of capacity planning and bottleneck management 

  Experience with ERP/MRP systems.                                                                                          

 Ability to analyze data and balance competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. 

  Excellent communication skills across production and commercial teams. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

• Frequent walking, standing, and sitting in both office and manufacturing environments. 

• Occasionally lift and move materials or equipment up to 40 pounds. 

• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required. 

• Visual acuity required for inspections and documentation review. 

• Occasional bending, squatting, reaching, and twisting may be required. 

• Non-standard/off-shift hours may be necessary for project support. 

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: 

• Comply with all company safety policies and procedures. 

• Participate in safety training, risk assessments, and hazard identification. 

• Utilize PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and other gear as needed. 

• Report unsafe conditions or practices promptly. 

• Promote a safe and clean working environment.