Manufacturing Planner
Manufacturing planners are responsible for coordinating production workflow for projects and scheduling shifts according to production needs. They develop and review production plans with other departments’ managers for approval and monitor production plan execution. They also resolve any potential issues quickly, investigate production problems, analyze root causes and provide solutions.
They are in charge of ensuring the production process’ accuracy while adhering to company standards and ensuring that the production policies meet their objectives. They also plan inventory management processes to avoid shortages and excesses while performing load leveling on the build plan to allow resource restrictions.
Job Overview
Salary
Workplace
How to Start
Job Overview
What does a Manufacturing Planner do?
It is the responsibility of a manufacturing planner to keep track of the production schedule. The duties of manufacturing planners involve the development of a master schedule with management consultation. They oversee the workflow of the production hub or facility. Their job includes the coordination of the production of one or more products. They ensure the promptness and accuracy of the production process. Also, they plan and prioritize the overall process for efficiency.
Manufacturing planners use technical skills to understand and interpret data and information. They use their technical skills to create and develop production plans and schedules. They also use technical skills to communicate with suppliers and other members of the production team.
Production Priorities
Manufacturing planners use organizational skills to keep track of the priorities of multiple projects at once. They may also use organizational skills to keep track of the materials and supplies needed for each project.
Communication Skills
Manufacturing planners communicate with a variety of individuals and groups, including production managers, engineers, sales representatives, suppliers and other planners.
Detail Oriented
Manufacturing planners use their attention to detail to ensure they have all the information they need to create a production schedule. They may also use their attention to detail to ensure they have all the information they need to create a budget for a project.
Problem Solving Skills
Manufacturing planners use their problem-solving skills to develop solutions to challenges that arise during the production process.
Salary
How much does a Manufacturing Planner make?
The average hourly pay for a Manufacturing Planner in the United States is $32.87 an hour. Hourly wages can be as high as $46.15 and as low as $17.55, the majority of Manufacturing Planner wages currently range between $25.48 (25th percentile) to $38.46 (75th percentile) across the United States.
These are 2025 national salary averages and may fluctuate based on location.
Workplace
What does the workplace for a Manufacturing Planner look like?
The work environment for a manufacturing planner is usually in an office setting, although some travel may be required to visit manufacturing plants or suppliers. The job is typically full time, and overtime may be required to meet deadlines or to respond to production problems. The work can be stressful, as manufacturing planners are often under pressure to meet production goals while minimizing costs. They must be able to work well under pressure and have excellent problem-solving skills.
Production planners are mainly office-based, but also spend time out on the factory shop floor. Factory environments depend upon the goods being produced and, in some cases, may be dusty, dirty, hot or noisy. Modern factories can be clean, light and air-conditioned.
Manufacturing production planners usually work a 37 to 40 hour week, Monday to Friday. They may also work evenings or weekends.
How to Start
How to become a Manufacturing Planner?
Manufacturing planners typically hold a high school diploma or its equivalent. Although having a higher degree may prove advantageous in the long run. Some employers also prefer candidates with proven experience as a production planner and gain excellent production planning and quality control principles.
A manufacturing planner career can be a great way to start your career in the manufacturing industry. As a manufacturing planner, you’ll be responsible for creating and maintaining the production schedule for your company. This includes assigning tasks to workers, ensuring that materials are available when they’re needed, and monitoring progress on projects.
To become a successful manufacturing planner, it’s important to have strong organizational skills and be able to think critically about problems. You should also be familiar with all aspects of the manufacturing process so that you can plan effectively.
