Production Planner

job purpose:

The Production Planner is a member of the Coopersville Supply Planning team. This role is responsible for developing and supporting the production plan for the Coopersville, MI production facility. This position supports the Coopersville Operations team through creation, management, and communication of the detailed production schedule, and the Planning team through forecast and network analysis to best serve our customers. This role will work cross functionally with key members of the Coopersville leadership team along with the rest of the Supply Chain functions (Procurement, Logistics, etc.). This role will drive value by delivering an accurate and efficient production schedule built to ensure target customer service levels are met and exceeded, while promoting an optimal cost structure of the production network.

responsibilities:

• Direct responsibility for reducing costs and increasing efficiency and productivity by delivering an efficient and optimal finite production schedule, taking into consideration key inputs such as capability, demand, inventory levels, and material lead times.

• Ownership of site production schedule from materials to finished goods while balancing for inventory requirements and forecasted demand.

• Lead daily collaboration with operations team members to ensure alignment on final production plan.

• Responsible for some portions of material and milk planning for standard work and coverage areas.

• Coordination with material planners for developing and executing material run out plans when changes are made to finished good bill of materials

• Proactive management and cross functional communication of quality concerns or other initiatives impacting production schedule

• Continuous monitoring and proactive management of finished goods inventory levels to ensure a balanced level and efficient storage utilization

• Work with other planning team members to ensure material and distribution plans are in sync across all plants - act as backup in key areas for other team members as required

• Demonstrate value through leadership, detailed and innovative approach along with proactive communications.

• Demonstrate critical thinking and sound judgment in all situations.

• Brings a curiosity for the details along with a determination to pursue continuous improvement opportunities in alignment to the company's growth objectives.

skills/qualifications required:

• Bachelor's degree or 4 years relevant experience

• 3 - 5 years' professional experience in Supply Chain

• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.

• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail required

• Strong Microsoft Office (Excel) skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Ability to handle ambiguity and work in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment

• Conducts themselves with a high-level of integrity and transparency.

• Creating Data Visualization tools (Power BI) preferred but not required

working conditions and physical requirements:

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment, however regular audits of the plant are expected.

• No or very limited physical effort required.

• Limited exposure to physical risk.

• Some travel to various sites in other states may be required.

food safety requirements:

• Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required that may affect product quality or food safety.

• Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in the Production Areas.

• Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company.

• Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system.

• Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system.

• Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming product in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.

• In the event of absence, another employee with the same skill level will assume the duties and responsibilities as required.

position location: Coopersville, MI

reports to: Supply Planning Manager

travel requirements: Less than 10%