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.

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.

Senior Production Planner

Senior production planners design the blueprint for how products are made. They decide which products should be manufactured and the exact quantities their company needs. They set quotas for the manufacturing process and generate feasible timetables that will meet those quotas. Senior production planners also make sure to do quality checks, taking into account carefully researched consumer data and feedback.
Most employers require their senior production planners to at least have a college diploma. Common degrees include business, supply chain management, and management. Other qualifications include strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Manufacturing Scheduler

A manufacturing scheduler, who can also be referred to as a production scheduler, is responsible for determining the products to be built, and the machines or production lines to be used in producing them in a manufacturing company.

A manufacturing scheduler’s job description entails planning and organizing a manufacturing company’s work (production) schedule. Manufacturing schedulers do this by making use of information from job orders and available inventory.

Master Scheduler

As a master scheduler, your primary job duties are the creation and implementation of schedules for your organization’s production or manufacturing needs, to ensure efficient operations. Exact responsibilities vary widely by industry, though manufacturing industries often hire master schedulers as part of best practices. A key aspect of your position is to monitor the implementation of scheduling to determine better future practices, evaluating success to further streamline all processes. You likely collaborate with others within your organization, especially information technology workers, to develop computer applications for schedule management.

Production Manager

Production managers provide daily supervision of production operators, coordinate activities to meet the forecasted demand of consumables, train and develop production operators, compile and present production metrics, and help to create/update manufacturing work instructions. As needed, the production supervisor/manager may be required to perform consumables production alongside the production operators. This individual must be a strong communicator, as understanding and interpreting detailed instructions, along with the ability to relay those instructions to others both verbally and in writing, is a key element of this role.

Salary

The estimated total pay for a manufacturing planner is $64,000 per year.

Starting-level

Starting-level manufacturing planner earnings begin at:

$21 per hour

$44,000 per year

Senior-level

Senior-level manufacturing planner earnings begin at:

$38 per hour

$78,000 per year

Mid-level

Mid-level manufacturing planner earnings begin at:

$31 per hour

$64,678 per year

Top-level

Top-level manufacturing planner earnings begin at:

$45 per hour

$93,000 per year

Junior-level

Junior-level manufacturing planner earnings begin at:

$25 per hour

$53,000 per year

These are 2021 national salary averages and may fluctuate based on location.

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 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.

Similar Careers

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A manufacturing engineer designs and manages the manufacturing systems for a product.

Manufacturing Production Planner

A manufacturing production planner is responsible for the accuracy and timeliness of the production process.

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A manufacturing systems engineer is in charge of designing, evaluating, and installing systems in manufacturing equipment.

Sources:

Canva.com, 2022 | Climbtheladder.com, 2022 | Zippia.com, 2022

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