What Is a Production Planner and How to Become One
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What Is a Production Planner?
A production planner ensures daily production and distribution goes smoothly. It’s their job to oversee all production operations, typically in the manufacturing industry. Duties include ordering materials, monitoring scheduling timelines, managing employees, analyzing production delays, and developing cost estimates. They’re in charge of supervising the manufacturing workplace and ensuring finished product quality. This career requires an associate or bachelor’s degree, usually in business. Other qualifications include management experience, industry knowledge, and strong communication skills.
How to Become a Production Planner
The primary qualifications for a career as a production planner are several years of experience in manufacturing management and proficiency with standard office software. Employers prefer applicants who have a college degree, but this is not necessary for all production planner positions. Fulfilling your duties and responsibilities in this position requires an understanding of the cost of manufacturing operations, a commitment to good attendance, strong interpersonal and written communication skills, excellent time management skills, and the ability to coordinate with department supervisors when determining how much of a product to create. Production planners sometimes work significant overtime during busy periods, so any work history involving extended shifts can help you stand out from other applicants.
Production Planner Job Description Sample
With this Production Planner job description sample, you can get a good idea of what employers are looking for when hiring for this position. Remember, every employer is different and each will have unique qualifications when they hire for a Production Planner role.
Job Summary
We are looking for a motivated, experienced individual to join our manufacturing company as a Production Planner. As a key part of the production process, you oversee daily production operations, ensuring supply chain efficiency and monitoring timelines. You collaborate closely with personnel from various departments, including distribution, project management, and corporate leadership teams. Our ideal candidate has experience with MRP and ERP systems, procurement, and prior supply chain experience.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Set up capacity and prepare daily production plans
- Interface with supply chain production team regarding material availability and shortages
- Communicate requirements and capacities to relevant departments and colleagues, ensuring strong institutional awareness
- Adjust production processes according to current and emerging needs
Requirements and Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Extensive experience within a manufacturing environment
- Experience with production planning (strongly preferred)
- Excellent organizational skills and a self-starting personality
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
