Production Planner

Production Planner

Welcome to the SmithFoods family.

High Quality. Always Fresh.   

For over 100 years, SmithFoods has been a leader within the dairy industry and has progressed into an innovative leader within private label and contract manufacturing services for dairy and non-dairy products.  

Joining SmithFoods as the Production Planner allows you a fresh opportunity to make a significant impact in an ever-evolving organization.

Be an Owner.

The Production Planner schedules and coordinates the plant production schedules in support of internal and external customer order demand and forecasts, ensuring that goods are produced on time and in full in accordance with quality and operational standards.   

Your Work Matters.

• Plan and manage production schedules by reviewing inventory, demand, and forecasts to fill open orders as well as effectively utilize the company’s production capacity   
• Monitor inventory supply and identify any potential shortages that could create service disruptions  
• Plan production around target inventory levels while maintaining customer required shelf life  
• Identify and solve for inventory issues related to obsolescence and rework  
• Look for ways to optimize schedules and run sequencing to partner with and optimize manufacturing plant operations  
• Interface cross functionally with Operations and Supply Chain on material status and production planning issues  
• Continuously improve the planning and scheduling process, including building knowledge and understanding of product production mix and plant operations  
• Work with production personnel and customers to schedule trial production runs including the sourcing of test materials, production forms, and timing  
• Manage the daily/weekly production schedule and communicate the schedule as well as any changes to plant associates  
• Participate in and help coordinate the execution of product launch initiatives  
• Develop and achieve departmental/company goals   
• Assist with forecasting and ordering of commodities  
• Assure that the needed direct goods are delivered to support the production schedule  
• Work closely and communicate regularly with Procurement to identify packaging and ingredient shortages      
• Interact with customers on customer orders, product adjustments, packaging transitions, new product start-ups, etc.  
• Provide back-up to other Production Planners as needed  
• Other duties as assigned   

Required Duties of all Associates.    

• Manage all company business according to the cultural objectives of the company (values and behaviors)   
• Understand and execute the principles of the company’s Operational Excellence program driving the right behaviors, standards and continuous improvement across all operating entities  
• Participate in cross-functional teams as required to advance the business interests of the company  
• Compliance with all company and regulatory policies/guidelines relating to associate safety, food safety and food quality   

 Competencies   

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills  
• Ability to effectively plan, organize and prioritize work  
• Self-directed with the ability to work independently as well as with groups  
• Must have good organizational and problem solving skills  
• Must relate and work well with others  
• Able to attend educational/training meetings and seminars as required  
• Confidentiality a must  
• Strong time management skills  
• Must demonstrate excellent analytical and critical thinking skills  
• Comfortable in fast-paced environment   

Education and Experience Required:   

• Bachelor’s Degree (Business or Supply Chain preferred)   
• Three to five years of experience in planning / procurement, located in a production facility
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office, Analysis Services, Reporting Services    

   Position Type/Expected Hours of Work   

• Must be flexible with ability to work additional hours as workload, schedules and timetables dictate  
• Generally, Monday – Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM  
• Occasional weekends and holidays, as required   
• Position is on-site at manufacturing facility

 Travel   

Other Duties   

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the associate for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.  Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the company.  

This role is not eligible for sponsorship.

EEO Statement 

SmithFoods is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants for employment, recruitment, hiring, training, transfer, promotion, pay, benefits, lay-off, demotion or termination of employment will be made without consideration of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, military status, ancestry, veteran status, or any other protected classification under applicable federal, state or local law.