Production Scheduler Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the manufacturing industry, the role of a production scheduler is critical and demanding.

As businesses strive to meet market demands, the need for skilled professionals who can organize, streamline, and optimize production schedules is on the rise.

So, what exactly does a production scheduler do?

Whether you are:

A job seeker looking to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
A hiring manager drafting the perfect job description,
Or simply curious about the complexities of production scheduling,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a versatile production scheduler job description template, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career websites.

Let’s dive straight into it.

Contents show

Production Scheduler Duties and Responsibilities

Production Schedulers play a crucial role in manufacturing processes, ensuring that all components are available for production and that products are created and delivered on time.

They operate in a fast-paced environment and work closely with various departments.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

Developing and managing production schedules to meet customer delivery requirements and best utilize the company’s productive capacity
Coordinating with production, sales, and purchasing teams to develop and adjust schedules to meet production goals
Analyzing production specifications and plant capacity data to determine manufacturing processes, tools, and human resource requirements
Monitoring the production process, making routine production reports, and resolving any potential delays
Updating production schedule to include changes, availability of raw materials, and capacity constraints
Ensuring that all necessary resources are available for the production process, including labor, materials, and machinery
Assessing and identifying any issues that might impact the production schedule and implementing corrective actions where necessary
Communicating with management and other stakeholders about the status of production schedules and any potential issues that may arise
Optimizing production operations for maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness

Production Scheduler Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a detail-oriented Production Scheduler to coordinate and expedite the flow of work and materials within or between departments of our manufacturing plant.

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, inventory levels, costs, and production problems.

Our ideal candidate is familiar with production processes, has strong analytical skills and a knack for creating effective schedules and prioritizing tasks.

Ultimately, the Production Scheduler will ensure our operations run smoothly and efficiently, meeting both quality and cost standards.

Responsibilities

Plan and establish work schedules, assignments, and production sequences to meet production goals
Review documents such as production schedules, work orders, or staffing tables, to determine personnel or materials requirements or material priorities
Revise production schedules when required due to design changes, labor or material shortages, backlogs, or other interruptions
Confer with department supervisors or other personnel to assess progress and discuss needed changes
Estimate rates of production and completion dates for tasks
Compile information, such as production rates and progress, materials inventories, materials used, or customer information, to generate production reports
Coordinate production with other functional areas such as sales, marketing, and quality control

Qualifications

Proven work experience as a Production Scheduler, Planner or similar role
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and procedures
Proficient in MS Office and ERP systems
Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills
Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
Strong communication and negotiation abilities
BSc/BA in business administration, 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 Scheduler
Work Environment: Manufacturing plant setting with standard office space for administrative tasks.
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: $52,000 minimum to $80,000 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 Scheduler Do?

A Production Scheduler plays a crucial role in manufacturing operations, ensuring that production processes run smoothly and efficiently.

They develop, maintain, and revise production schedules to meet customer demands and the company’s objectives.

This involves coordinating with various departments such as procurement, production, and sales to align the schedule with the availability of raw materials, workforce, and market needs.

Production Schedulers are also responsible for monitoring the progress of production and adjusting schedules as necessary to address any issues or delays.

They may need to prioritize tasks, manage the sequence of production, or reschedule production to accommodate rush orders or unexpected equipment downtime.

In addition, they often analyze production specifications and capacity data and perform mathematical calculations to determine manufacturing processes and human resource requirements.

Production Schedulers play a significant role in inventory management as well, ensuring the appropriate level of stock is maintained to meet production schedules and avoid overproduction or shortages.

Lastly, they may be required to generate and provide reports to management regarding production planning and progress.

Production Scheduler Qualifications and Skills

A competent Production Scheduler should possess a blend of technical and soft skills to effectively plan and oversee production processes.

These may include:

Understanding of production processes and procedures to effectively plan, schedule and monitor production activities.
Strong analytical abilities to assess production capacity and forecast production needs.
Excellent communication skills to liaise with various departments such as procurement, production, and logistics, ensuring smooth workflow.
Time management skills to create and maintain accurate production schedules, ensuring that deadlines are met.
Problem-solving abilities to quickly identify and address scheduling issues or bottlenecks that could affect production timelines.
Detail-oriented and organized to manage multiple schedules and tasks simultaneously without errors.
Proficiency in scheduling software and tools, providing accurate and real-time production updates.
Leadership skills to guide and motivate the production team to meet production targets and deadlines.

Production Scheduler Experience Requirements

Production Schedulers are usually required to have a minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience in a manufacturing or production setting.

This experience can be gained through internships or entry-level positions in a production environment.

Candidates with practical experience in using production scheduling software, such as MRP (Materials Requirements Planning) or ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems, are often preferred.

Additionally, experience in supply chain management or logistics can also be beneficial.

For individuals with 3 to 5 years of experience, they should have developed a strong understanding of production processes, inventory management, and supply chain operations.

They may also have gained some experience in coordinating and planning production schedules, managing resources, and assessing project scope and specifications.

Those with over 5 years of experience often possess advanced skills in production scheduling, project management, and team leadership.

They may have had responsibilities in implementing production strategies, improving operational efficiency, and leading cross-functional teams.

These candidates may be suited for senior or managerial roles in production scheduling.

Production Scheduler Education and Training Requirements

Production Schedulers typically require a bachelor’s degree in business administration, operations management, or a related field.

They need a strong background in production planning, inventory control, and operations management.

Proficiency in using scheduling software and tools is an essential skill.

Work experience in production or operations management may be preferred or required for certain positions.

This experience provides practical knowledge and understanding of the production processes, supply chain logistics, and inventory management.

Some positions may require a master’s degree in business administration or operations management, especially for roles that involve strategic planning or upper management responsibilities.

Certification in production and inventory management (CPIM) or similar credentials may be beneficial.

Such certifications indicate the individual’s proficiency in production scheduling and inventory control, and their commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

In addition, strong skills in problem-solving, analytics, and communication are important, as the role requires coordinating with various departments and effectively managing resources and schedules.

Production Scheduler Salary Expectations

A Production Scheduler makes an average of $57,741 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can be influenced by several factors including the individual’s level of experience, education, the specific industry, and the geographical location.

Production Scheduler Job Description FAQs

What skills does a production scheduler need?

A production scheduler needs to have strong organizational and planning skills to coordinate and oversee the production process effectively.

They need to be proficient in time management and problem-solving to ensure that operations run smoothly.

They should also have excellent communication skills to interact with different departments and teams.

Furthermore, they should have good mathematical and analytical skills to interpret complex data and forecast production needs.

Do production schedulers need a degree?

Production schedulers usually require a bachelor’s degree in business, logistics, or a related field.

However, substantial work experience in production or operations management can sometimes be considered in lieu of formal education.

Some companies may also prefer candidates with certifications in production and inventory management.

What should you look for in a production scheduler resume?

A production scheduler resume should demonstrate the candidate’s experience in production planning, scheduling, and inventory control.

Look for knowledge of production processes and understanding of supply chain management.

The resume should highlight the candidate’s ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and solve problems.

Experience with specific scheduling software is often a plus.

What qualities make a good production scheduler?

A good production scheduler is proactive, has a keen eye for detail, and can anticipate production issues before they arise.

They should have excellent analytical skills to handle complex scheduling scenarios.

Their communication skills should be top-notch, as they will be interacting with various teams and departments.

They should also be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and be flexible enough to adapt to changing production demands.

What are the daily duties of a production scheduler?

A production scheduler typically starts their day by reviewing the production plan and assessing the status of ongoing jobs.

They coordinate with different departments, like procurement and logistics, to ensure the availability of materials and resources.

They monitor the production process, identify bottlenecks or delays, and take necessary actions to keep production on schedule.

They also update and maintain production records and generate reports on production status.

Is it difficult to hire production schedulers?

Hiring production schedulers can be challenging due to the need for candidates who have a combination of educational qualifications, relevant experience, and particular skills.

Companies often look for individuals who have a solid understanding of production processes, inventory management, and scheduling tools.

Therefore, finding a candidate that fulfills all these requirements can take some time and effort.

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the fascinating world of a production scheduler.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about scheduling production.

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

Armed with our comprehensive production scheduler job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take the leap.

But why stop at ready?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to crafting detailed job listings or honing your resume to flawless precision.

Remember:

Every scheduled production is a cog in the vast machinery of industry.

Let’s set that rhythm. Together.

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Production Scheduler Job Description [Updated for 2025]

Production Scheduler Duties and Responsibilities