Production Planner Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In this fast-paced world of production and manufacturing, the need for efficient Production Planners is ever increasing.

As industries evolve and grow, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can organize, coordinate, and streamline our production processes.

But what exactly is expected from a Production Planner?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager aiming to outline the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricate dynamics of production planning,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Production Planner job description template, intended for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve straight into it.

Production Planner Duties and Responsibilities

Production Planners play an essential role in the manufacturing process, developing schedules and plans to ensure that goods are produced efficiently and at the highest quality.

Their role is critical in managing resources, coordinating production processes, and meeting customer demands.

Here are some of the key duties and responsibilities of a Production Planner:

• Develop and maintain production schedules to ensure timely delivery of goods
• Coordinate with different departments like sales, marketing, and logistics to plan and adjust production needs
• Analyze production specifications and plant capacity data to determine manufacturing processes and tools
• Monitor and adjust schedules to meet unforeseen conditions
• Prepare production reports and forward them to the management
• Identify any potential delays or problems in the production process and devise ways to overcome them
• Coordinate with material procurement and logistics teams to ensure the timely availability of raw materials and the delivery of finished goods
• Ensure that the production process follows industry standards and safety regulations
• Oversee inventory management and order supplies as needed
• Evaluate production performance and recommend improvements

 

Production Planner Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a highly-organized and detail-oriented Production Planner to manage our production scheduling process.

Your responsibilities include determining production requirements, maintaining inventory levels, coordinating production schedules, and communicating production status updates to managers.

Our ideal candidate has experience with production planning and a solid understanding of manufacturing processes.

You should be able to multitask and manage priorities in a fast-paced environment to ensure the timely completion of production targets.

 

Responsibilities

• Analyze and determine production requirements based on sales forecasts and customer orders
• Coordinate and adjust production schedules to meet product delivery deadlines
• Monitor inventory levels and replenish stock as needed
• Collaborate with production and warehouse staff to ensure smooth flow of operations
• Prepare production reports and keep management informed about production status
• Estimate costs and prepare budget recommendations for production activities
• Maintain accurate records of production data, including volume, types, and quality of products
• Identify and address production issues, delays, or problems promptly
• Ensure compliance with industry safety and production standards
• Review and suggest improvements to production processes and systems

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Production Planner or similar role in manufacturing
• Strong knowledge of production planning and quality control principles
• Experience with MRP systems (Manufacturing resource planning)
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Proficiency in MS Office and ERP systems
• BSc/Ba in Business, Supply Chain Management, or relevant field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Production Planner
• Work Environment: Primarily an office setting with occasional visits to the manufacturing floor. Standard 40-hour workweek, with occasional overtime to meet production deadlines.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Production Manager or Operations Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $60,000 minimum to $90,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Production Planner Do?

Production Planners typically work in manufacturing and production companies.

They play a key role in the production process, ensuring that the manufacturing operations and resources are effectively utilized.

They are responsible for creating, maintaining, and overseeing production schedules.

They decide when and where production will occur, how much product to produce, and which materials will be used.

They work in close coordination with other departments such as sales, purchasing, and logistics to ensure a smooth production process.

Production Planners also monitor the progress of production and adjust schedules as needed.

They analyze production performance and use their findings to improve production efficiency.

They also coordinate with suppliers to ensure that all necessary materials and equipment are available when needed.

In addition, Production Planners may be tasked with managing inventory, assessing project and resource requirements, estimating, negotiating and agreeing on budgets and timescales with clients and managers.

Finally, they ensure that health and safety regulations are followed throughout the production process.

 

Production Planner Qualifications and Skills

A competent Production Planner should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, which may include:

• Analytical skills to assess production metrics and implement necessary improvements
• Strong understanding of production processes and the ability to plan and manage workflows
• Excellent communication skills to liaise with various departments, suppliers, and team members to ensure smooth production operations
• Strong organizational skills to maintain accurate records, plan schedules and manage resources
• Proficiency in using production planning software to optimize production efficiency
• Problem-solving skills to identify and rectify any production issues swiftly and effectively
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines, demonstrating exceptional time management skills
• Knowledge of safety, quality, and cost objectives to ensure production targets are met in an efficient manner

 

Production Planner Experience Requirements

Entry-level Production Planners may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often from internships or part-time roles in supply chain, logistics or a manufacturing environment.

In these roles, they can gain exposure to inventory management, production processes, and scheduling.

More experienced Production Planners, with 3 to 5 years of experience, will have developed their skills and knowledge through prior roles in Supply Chain Coordination, Inventory Control, or Production Control.

They should have strong understanding of material requirements planning (MRP) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

They may also have some experience with project management and team coordination.

Those with over 5 years of experience in production planning roles would ideally have extensive knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, demand forecasting, and capacity planning.

They may have leadership experience and are likely to be qualified for senior roles or supervisory positions within the production planning department.

It is beneficial for them to have a strong problem-solving ability and excellent communication skills to effectively manage production schedules and coordinate with various teams.

 

Production Planner Education and Training Requirements

Production Planners typically have a bachelor’s degree in business administration, operations management, logistics, or a related field.

These programs equip students with the necessary skills in planning, organizing, and managing production schedules.

They also focus on areas such as supply chain management, operations research, and quality control.

Specific knowledge in areas such as inventory management, production control, and materials requirement planning (MRP) are critical for this role.

Familiarity with production planning software and tools is also vital.

Some positions, especially those in complex or specialized industries, may require Production Planners with a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or operations management.

Many Production Planners also pursue professional certifications, such as Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) from the Association for Supply Chain Management or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) certification.

These certifications can demonstrate a commitment to the profession, a high level of competence, and the ability to stay updated with the latest industry trends and practices.

 

Production Planner Salary Expectations

The average wage for a Production Planner is approximately $57,741 (USD) per year.

The actual income a Production Planner earns can vary, depending on factors such as professional experience, education, the size of the company they work for, and their geographical location.

 

Production Planner Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Production Planner need?

Production Planners require excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to analyze production specifications and plant capacity data to determine manufacturing processes.

They should possess strong communication and organizational skills to coordinate production schedules and ensure timely delivery.

Having a good understanding of supply chain management and proficiency in relevant software tools can be quite beneficial for this role.

 

Do Production Planners need a degree?

While not always necessary, having a Bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, engineering or a related field can be beneficial for a Production Planner.

Experience in production planning, scheduling, or a related area is often considered more important.

Some companies may require certain certifications such as APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM).

 

What should you look for in a Production Planner resume?

When reviewing a Production Planner’s resume, look for a background in manufacturing, logistics, or a similar field.

Experience with production planning software, like MRP or ERP systems, is usually very valuable.

Skills in project management, problem-solving, and communication should also be highlighted.

Certifications related to production planning or supply chain management can indicate a candidate’s commitment to the field.

 

What qualities make a good Production Planner?

A good Production Planner is extremely detail-oriented, able to juggle multiple tasks at once, and is adept at solving complex problems under pressure.

They possess excellent communication skills to effectively coordinate with different departments.

They are also proactive and can anticipate production issues before they arise and come up with effective solutions to mitigate them.

 

What are the daily duties of a Production Planner?

On a typical day, a Production Planner reviews the production orders and prioritizes them based on factors like delivery time, resource availability, and production capacity.

They communicate with different departments to ensure that materials and resources are available for production.

They monitor the production progress, adjust schedules as necessary and address any issues that could delay production.

They also generate and maintain reports on production-related activities.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a sneak peek into the dynamic world of a production planner.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about scheduling and coordinating.

It’s about orchestrating the flow of resources, one production plan at a time.

With our comprehensive production planner job description template and real-world examples, you’re geared up to take the next step.

But why draw the line there?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your key to crafting precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Bear in mind:

Every production plan is a cog in the larger machine.

Let’s streamline that process. Together.

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