What does a Production Planner do?
A Production Planner works with both managers and production employees to ensure the company hits its production goals on time and within budget. They handle all the scheduling and ensure the materials, machines and workspaces are ready to go to increase production efficiency. Production Planners monitor the overall situation, including incoming orders, supply chain problems, market changes and inventory issues, to minimize the impact on production. They collaborate with other departments and the management team to set production goals. Production Planners also ensure the workforce needs are met with the proper scheduling of employees.
Production Planner skills and qualifications
Production Planner careers call for certain skills and qualifications before a candidate starts in the position. Some of those requirements include:
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Knowledge of production processes and quality control
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Math and analytical skills
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Technical skills using material requirements planning and scheduling software
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Verbal and written communication skills
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Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with all levels of employees
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Organizational and time-management skills
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Deadline driven
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Coaching skills with the ability to motivate employees
Production Planner experience requirements
Production Planners typically have extensive experience in the production field. They might start out as production workers, moving their way into supervisory roles. Many companies prefer someone with at least a few years of experience in a Production Planner role. Other roles involving materials handling, scheduling or production management are also beneficial. Some companies prefer candidates with production planning experience in a similar industry or type of company to give them an understanding of the unique concerns for that field.
Production Planner education and training requirements
Production Planner careers typically don’t require a degree other than a high school diploma or GED. Years of experience are often more important, but degrees can give candidates an advantage. Some companies might require job applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in supply chain and logistics, business management or similar fields. It’s a bonus if you find candidates who have certifications related to production planning or management. The Association of Supply Chain Management offers several relevant designations, including Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) and Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP). Having these designations means the candidate gained additional training or knowledge and passed a comprehensive exam to demonstrate their understanding of the field.
Job description samples for similar positions
If a Production Planner doesn’t quite fit your company’s needs, these additional job descriptions are available for similar positions that might be a better fit:
Production Planner job description FAQs
What qualities make a good Production Planner?
A good Production Planner works well in stressful situations and can remain calm when disruptions affect the production timeline. They’re good at solving problems to help keep production moving when issues arise. Production Planners are also good at planning ahead and communicating with various team members to ensure the production process goes as smoothly as possible.
What makes a good Production Planner job description?
Your Production Planner job description should be concise with key details about your products and the unique challenges of your production process. It should give job candidates an accurate account of their duties and the employees they’ll work with. Include your benefits and perks, as well as other things that make your company and the community attractive to job seekers.
Who does the Production Planner report to?
A Production Planner typically reports to the Production Manager, who makes sure production stays on schedule and on budget. These two essential production roles often collaborate on scheduling, materials, equipment and other issues to create a seamless production process. They also work with quality control, warehouse staff and executives to manage the overall process.
Do Production Planners have different responsibilities in different industries?
Production Planners typically work in manufacturing settings, so their duties are similar, no matter what the company makes. However, there could be additional considerations, regulations and processes they have to take into account based on the specific manufacturing niche. Some products must go through specific production processes that the Planner has to manage, for example.
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