Scheduling Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary:

The Scheduler/Planner is responsible for managing and optimizing the workflow of production orders in a fast-paced corrugated converting plant. This position ensures the efficient, accurate, and timely scheduling of all plant operations, machine assignments, shipping coordination and sheet ordering. The Scheduler works cross-functionally to expedite daily and long-range planning, resolve production bottlenecks, and maintain high service levels for on-time delivery. This role is critical in aligning production with customer expectations and operational targets while maximizing plant throughput and profitability.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage production schedules that optimize machine capacity, manpower allocation, and material availability.
• Calculate and place orders for corrugated sheets based on order volume, forecasted demand, and lead time requirements when procurement purchaser is out.  Ensure a minimum of 24-hour sheet inventory per machine center.
• Provide daily and weekly lead times to Customer Service and Sales.
• Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of WIP and raw material inventory counts.
• As a back up to procurement -Use ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Amtech, or equivalent) to enter, track, and update production data.
• Communicate daily with Customer Service, Plant Manager, Shipping, and Department Leads to align on schedule changes, delays, or customer escalations.
• Identify opportunities for schedule efficiency and machine up-time improvements.
• Plan and schedule Preventive Maintenance (PM) orders for key equipment.
• Review prior week's performance (OTD, downtime, throughput) and incorporate learning into future schedules.
• Act as backup for production supervisors or leads, as needed and based on training.
• Participate in safety meetings and compliance audits.
• Support production trials, new product introductions, and continuous improvement projects.
• Assist with physical inventory counts and variance reconciliation.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance for any scheduling impact due to non-conforming materials or quality holds.
• Develop and manage production schedules that optimize machine capacity, manpower allocation, and material availability.
• Create and maintain a detailed 24-hour and multi-day production planning outlook for both Ontario and Cerritos box plants.
• Print Factory tickets for each job at the initial machine center and provide a full packet to production daily to include machine line-up, factory tickets, ink report, and pallet report.
• Hold daily production meetings with Customer Service, Production, and Logistics teams.
• Balance workload across machine centers (Flexo Folder Gluers, Die Cutters, etc.) and box plants to optimize throughput and minimize changeovers.
• Adjust production schedules to accommodate emergency orders, equipment breakdowns, or material shortages.
• Monitor the real-time production schedule to ensure jobs are on track and identify potential delays.
• Maintain visibility on all scheduled orders and proactively adjust the schedule to accommodate rush orders, changeovers, and downtime.
• Manage pallet purchasing and inventory to support scheduled production.
• Provide daily and weekly lead times to Customer Service and Sales.
• Plan and schedule Preventive Maintenance (PM) orders for key equipment.
• Review prior week's performance (OTD, downtime, throughput) and incorporate learning into future schedules.
• Calculate and place orders for corrugated sheets based on order volume, forecasted demand, and lead time requirements when procurement purchaser is out.  Ensure a minimum of 24-hour sheet inventory per machine center.
• Assist with physical inventory counts and variance reconciliation.
• Act as backup for production supervisors or leads, as needed and based on training.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Proven experience in production scheduling or planning, preferably in corrugated packaging or manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of converting equipment such as Flexo Folder Gluers, Rotary Die Cutters, and specialty equipment.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (Amtech, Kiwiplan, or similar).
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other scheduling or planning tools.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Work, Outlook).

Education & Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 3–5 years of scheduling or customer service experience in a corrugated or manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement is a plus

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to work at a desk and use a computer for extended periods.
• Occasionally required to walk the production floor and interface with operations personnel.
• May occasionally lift up to 25 pounds or access storage areas for material review.