Plant Scheduler

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Scheduler position is responsible for understanding the dynamics of plant production status and capacities of each product line to properly assess incoming orders and apply optimal scheduled ship dates to maximize on-time delivery and customer satisfaction.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Utilize completed order information from Customer Service to assign appropriate ship dates for every sales order assigned to the plant.  Ship dates must incorporate knowledge of sufficient material availability as well as production loading and capacity levels. 
• Must have understanding of customer dynamics, manufacturing process, and logistics requirements that optimize operational parameters – shipping consolidations, specific lead time agreements, rushes and remakes, organize/prioritize orders for optimal material yields, etc.
• Attend and participate in daily production meetings; execute on information shared and actions assigned.  Ability to communicate and elevate adherence to original ship date commitments.  Stay current and abreast of any potential production abnormalities, and communicate issues.
• Communicate any exceptions to expectations after original ship dates are established.  If original date is in jeopardy of attainment, proactive re-scheduling and communication is required with all stakeholders – Customer Service, Sales, and the Customer.   Maintain and communicate daily late shipments reporting for any abnormalities to planned expectations.
• Prioritize the timely entry of ship dates required to be less than 24 hrs from when the order has been assigned a plant.
• Build and maintain a strong rapport with immediate sphere of influence being manufacturing leaders and CSR’s.
• Review, identify and communicate order entry issues back to Customer Service prior to ship dates being assigned.
• Ability to identify, communicate, and participate in improvement of position responsibilities and processes that enhance operational aspects of Quality, Delivery, and Cost while positively impacting the customer experience.
• Maintains and grows professional knowledge by attending training or educational workshops, and networks to learn and facilitate best practices.
• Willing to train and assist others in similar positions in other locations, as well as maintaining a sufficient back up within the plant for vacation time or unexpected unavailability.
• Display ability, flexibility, and willingness to work in other positions including manufacturing shop floor pending daily and weekly workloads.  Priority will be scheduling, but pending demand, this position must be efficient with their work to provide assistance in other areas of the plant when available and required.
• Other duties as assigned.

 JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Substantial and proven experience in manufacturing, operations, or order transacting field, preferably 5 years or more working in various positions. 
• Confident computer skills, software knowledge and application of Microsoft Office tools – specifically Excel and Outlook.
• Database understanding and ability to mine/query information for decision making – specifically confidence in Datatools applications to efficiently work with schedules and plant capacity.
• Strong understanding of Manufacturing and Operations flow from Order Entry through Shipping and Invoicing, including machinery and human interface.
• Must have working knowledge and appreciation for each step in the manufacturing process, and if not, be willing to prioritize and learn.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, verbally and written, including confidence in customer interactions.
• Fact and data based decision making ability.
• Position must be present in the facility – not applicable for remote or hybrid work situation.
• Possible infrequent travel for training purposes and collaboration.

 JOB PREFERENCES:

• Post secondary degree in an Operations/Manufacturing/Business related field.
• Multiple years of experience in order processing and/or scheduling manufacturing.
• Operational leadership experience and/or ability; desire to work towards career advancement.
• Experience in multiple manufacturing positions dealing with complexity, collaboration with staff, manufacturing methods and procedures, safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to organize and present information to various audiences outside of immediate plant.
• Ability to solve problems through root cause analysis and identifying/implementing solutions.