The role of a production planner is of utmost importance in overseeing and synchronizing a company's production chain. Their primary aim is to proficiently handle resources and timelines to fulfill customer demand while also streamlining production costs.
Fed Supply, our supply chain recruitment agency, provides further insights into this particular position.
Production planning: definition
Production planners play a critical role within manufacturing companies, as they are responsible for overseeing production planning. This involves several key aspects:
- Demand Analysis: One of their primary tasks is to assess sales forecasts and customer orders, which are essential in determining the necessary production levels.
- Resource Management: Production planners thoroughly evaluate production capacities, available raw materials, and workforce to establish feasible production possibilities.
- Planning: They create a comprehensive production schedule, considering the constraints at each stage of the manufacturing process.
- Progress Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of production progress allows them to anticipate and address any potential delays or issues promptly.
- Adjustment of Priorities: In the event of changing orders or constraints, production planners adjust the schedule accordingly to minimize any adverse impacts.
In essence, production planners play a vital role in streamlining manufacturing processes and ensuring optimal efficiency in meeting customer demands while managing available resources effectively.
What does a production planner do?
Aside from the mentioned tasks, the production planner holds additional responsibilities related to managing inventories of raw materials and finished goods. This supply chain job involves close collaboration with various departments, including Procurement, Logistics – like the logistics coordinator –, Quality, and Sales, to ensure seamless communication and coordination between different teams.
Continuous improvement is a key aspect of the production planner's job, constantly seeking opportunities to enhance manufacturing processes. To achieve this, they implement methodologies like Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma, which aim to optimize productivity and maintain high-quality standards.
Preventive maintenance planning is also crucial to the role, as it helps prevent costly equipment breakdowns and unplanned downtime. When facing challenges such as delayed deliveries or quality issues, the production planner makes well-informed decisions to reallocate resources and rearrange schedules to minimize the impact on production.
Analyzing data and assessing key performance indicators are essential tasks for the production planner to evaluate the efficiency of production processes and identify areas within the supply chain that require improvement.
Moreover, the production planner may be actively involved in training production staff on new procedures or technologies and could also take on a mentoring role for new employees.
In summary, the production planner holds a multifaceted position, where they play a pivotal role in optimizing production processes, ensuring smooth coordination among departments, and proactively addressing challenges to maintain an efficient and effective manufacturing operation.
Production planner skills
The production planner is expected to possess the following skill set:
- Proficiency in production planning and management software, along with knowledge of manufacturing processes and the ability to interpret statistical data.
- Effective prioritization, adept management of deadlines and resources, proactive anticipation of potential issues, and swift problem-solving skills.
- Thorough knowledge of health and safety standards, demonstrating attention to detail.
- Excellent communication skills, as the production planner collaborates with diverse teams such as production, procurement, and sales, necessitating clear communication and effective teamwork.
- Strong stress management capabilities, as the role can be demanding due to deadlines, unforeseen events, and production constraints, requiring the ability to handle stress effectively.
- Analytical prowess and decisive decision-making, enabling the planner to swiftly analyze available information and make informed adjustments to the planning process.
- Versatility and flexibility, as situations can change rapidly, and the ability to adapt while maintaining consistent planning is essential.
How to become a production planner?
To work as a production planner, a variety of training courses are available. A college diploma (DEC) in production operations management (POM) or logistics is often required.
University training in industrial engineering or operations management is also highly valued. Specialized training in production planning can complete these training paths.
Production planner salary
Production planner salary in Canada ranges from $51,000 to $67,000. It may be higher, depending on the industry in which the professional works.
Your future production planner is with Fed Supply
If you are seeking a logistics job, such as production planning, you've arrived at the perfect destination! Fed Supply is actively recruiting, and we encourage you to explore all our available job offers.
If you don't find a suitable position, you have the option to submit your resume as well. Feel free to take advantage of this opportunity and discover potential career possibilities with us.
