Production Planning and Expediting Clerk Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing world, the role of Production Planning and Expediting Clerks has never been more vital.

As the gears of industry continue to turn, the demand for individuals who can effectively plan, organize, and expedite production processes is on the rise.

But what does a Production Planning and Expediting Clerk do exactly?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to grasp the scope of this role,
• A hiring manager seeking to draft the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of production planning and expediting,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a fully customizable Production Planning and Expediting Clerk job description template, constructed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Production Planning and Expediting Clerk Duties and Responsibilities

Production Planning and Expediting Clerks are responsible for coordinating and expediting the flow of work and materials within or between departments of an establishment according to production schedule.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Review and distribute production, work, and shipment schedules
• Confer with department supervisors to determine progress of work and completion dates
• Compile reports on progress of work, inventory levels, costs, and production problems
• Monitor inventory levels and work with other teams to ensure timely delivery of goods
• Examine material delivered to production departments to verify conformance to specifications
• Coordinate with sales, shipping, warehouse, and production departments to expedite product throughout the process
• Resolve problems related to production, such as delays in receiving raw materials or shortages in component supply
• Update production data, including work orders, product specifications and schedules, in computer systems

 

Production Planning and Expediting Clerk Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a diligent Production Planning and Expediting Clerk to coordinate and expedite the flow of work and materials within or between departments according to production schedules.

Production Planning and Expediting Clerk responsibilities include reviewing and distributing production, work, and shipment schedules; conferring with department supervisors to determine progress of work and completion dates; and compiling reports on progress of work and production problems.

Our ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, and adept in problem-solving.

 

Responsibilities

• Review and distribute production, work, and shipment schedules.
• Confer with department supervisors to determine progress of work and completion dates.
• Compile reports on progress of work, inventory levels, costs, and production problems.
• Expedite operations that delay schedules and alter schedules to meet unforeseen conditions.
• Prepare lists of required materials, tools, and equipment.
• Order and manage the flow of materials, supplies, and finished products.
• Maintain records of all activities and processes pertaining to the job.
• Work closely with all departments to ensure production schedules are met.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Production Planning and Expediting Clerk or similar role in production.
• Excellent knowledge of production planning and quality control principles.
• Experience in MRP II (Manufacturing resource planning).
• Working knowledge of MS Office and ERP systems.
• Good at math and statistics.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication abilities.
• High school diploma; Further education or certification is preferred.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Production Planning and Expediting Clerk
• Work Environment: This job operates in a professional office and manufacturing environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Production Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $35,000 minimum to $55,000 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 Planning and Expediting Clerk Do?

Production Planning and Expediting Clerks work in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, retail, logistics, and transportation.

Their primary role is to coordinate and expedite the flow of work and materials within or between departments of an establishment according to production schedule.

This involves duties such as reviewing and distributing production, work, and shipment schedules; conferring with department supervisors to determine progress of work and completion dates; and compiling reports on progress of work, inventory levels, costs, and production problems.

They review documents such as production schedules, work orders, or staffing tables, to determine personnel or materials requirements or material priorities.

They are also responsible for keeping track of goods as they are being produced to ensure that production stays on schedule.

This may involve preparing documents detailing production requirements or schedule changes.

Production Planning and Expediting Clerks often communicate with customers, vendors, or management to address delays, resolve production or delivery issues, and negotiate with vendors to improve supply chain efficiency.

In some cases, these clerks may also be responsible for examining material delivered to production departments to verify conformance to specifications.

 

Production Planning and Expediting Clerk Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Production Planning and Expediting Clerk should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Strong organizational skills to manage and prioritize multiple tasks efficiently and effectively.
• Excellent attention to detail to ensure accuracy in production schedules and inventory records.
• Superior communication skills to convey production plans and instructions to various teams and departments and to keep all stakeholders informed of any changes or delays.
• Problem-solving skills to address and resolve production issues and bottlenecks in a timely manner.
• Technical proficiency with production planning software and other relevant computer applications such as spreadsheets and database management systems.
• Understanding of production processes and operations to create feasible production plans and schedules.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment to ensure production targets are met.
• Numeracy skills for managing inventory, calculating production costs, and analyzing production data.

 

Production Planning and Expediting Clerk Experience Requirements

Entry-level Production Planning and Expediting Clerks typically need at least 1-2 years of experience in a manufacturing or logistics setting.

This experience can be gained through internships, part-time jobs, or working in positions related to inventory management, production scheduling or order fulfillment.

Candidates with 3-5 years of experience may have developed their skills in coordinating and expediting the flow of work within an organization, reviewing production schedules and work orders, examining material delivered to production departments, and ensuring a smooth workflow.

These candidates might have also gained experience with various software systems used in production planning and expediting.

Professionals with more than 5 years of experience in production planning and expediting are typically considered for senior roles.

They may have extensive experience in managing a team, leading cross-functional collaborations, analyzing production specifications and plant capacity data, or developing more efficient production and distribution strategies.

Regardless of the level, having a strong understanding of supply chain management, production processes, and inventory control, along with exceptional organizational and communication skills, are highly desirable in this role.

 

Production Planning and Expediting Clerk Education and Training Requirements

Production Planning and Expediting Clerks typically require a high school diploma or equivalent.

They receive on-the-job training where they learn the specific procedures and terminology of production planning and expediting.

This training usually lasts a few months and covers topics such as production processes, administrative procedures, and the use of relevant software applications.

In addition to these basic requirements, a background in business, logistics, or industrial technology can be helpful.

Certain positions may prefer or require a postsecondary education such as an associate or bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain management, or a related field.

Experience in a manufacturing environment and familiarity with inventory management systems is often preferred by employers.

While certification is not typically required, professional certification programs exist that can demonstrate competency in production and inventory management.

These are offered by organizations such as the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) and can enhance career advancement opportunities.

Like all roles, a commitment to ongoing learning and staying updated with new production and inventory management techniques is beneficial for success in this role.

 

Production Planning and Expediting Clerk Salary Expectations

A Production Planning and Expediting Clerk can expect to earn an average salary of $48,000 (USD) per year.

The actual salary may fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience, the complexity of the role, educational qualifications, and the location of the job.

 

Production Planning and Expediting Clerk Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Production Planning and Expediting Clerk need?

Production Planning and Expediting Clerks should possess strong organizational and analytical skills to accurately plan and prioritize production schedules.

They should have excellent communication skills to liaise with different departments and resolve any production issues.

Proficiency in using software for inventory management and production planning is also important.

 

Do Production Planning and Expediting Clerks need a degree?

Most employers require Production Planning and Expediting Clerks to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.

However, an associate or bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain management, or related fields can be advantageous.

Previous experience in production or manufacturing roles is often preferred.

 

What should you look for in a Production Planning and Expediting Clerk resume?

When reviewing a Production Planning and Expediting Clerk resume, look for previous experience in a manufacturing or production environment.

Familiarity with inventory management systems and production planning software is a plus.

Good candidates may also demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines.

 

What qualities make a good Production Planning and Expediting Clerk?

A good Production Planning and Expediting Clerk is detail-oriented and has strong analytical skills for effective planning and problem-solving.

They need excellent communication and interpersonal skills to coordinate with various departments.

Flexibility and adaptability are also important as they may need to adjust production schedules to meet changing demands or resolve unexpected issues.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Production Planning and Expediting Clerk?

Finding a qualified Production Planning and Expediting Clerk can be challenging due to the specific skill set required for the role.

The ideal candidate should have a good understanding of production processes, inventory management, and planning software.

Additionally, they should be able to work under pressure and make quick decisions to ensure smooth production flow.

It’s important to offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract and retain top talent.

 

Conclusion

So here it is.

Today, we’ve shed light on the true nature of working as a production planning and expediting clerk.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not merely about making schedules and expediting work processes.

It’s about orchestrating the rhythm of production, one task at a time.

With our comprehensive production planning and expediting clerk job description template and real-life scenarios, you’re ready to hit the ground running.

But don’t stop just yet.

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to precision-crafted job listings and fine-tuning your resume to stand out in the crowd.

Always bear in mind:

Every task in production planning is a piece of a larger jigsaw puzzle.

Let’s create that harmonious production rhythm. Together.