Operations Scheduler

Job description

**Position Summary** The Operations Scheduler is responsible for developing, coordinating, and maintaining production schedules to support customer demand, operational efficiency, and inventory objectives within a manufacturing environment. This role works closely with Production, Supply Chain, Planning, Procurement, Logistics, Customer Service, and Manufacturing leadership to ensure production schedules are achievable, materials are available, and operational priorities are aligned. The ideal candidate is highly organized, analytical, and capable of balancing multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing setting while proactively identifying and resolving scheduling challenges. **Key Responsibilities** **Production Scheduling** - Develop and maintain daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules based on customer demand, capacity, labor availability, and material supply. - Coordinate production priorities with manufacturing, supply planning, and customer service teams. - Monitor schedule adherence and adjust schedules as needed to address operational changes, material shortages, equipment downtime, or customer priorities. - Ensure production schedules optimize throughput, efficiency, and on-time delivery performance. - Analyze production capacity constraints and recommend solutions to improve schedule attainment. **Material & Inventory Coordination** - Collaborate with Procurement and Supply Planning teams to ensure material availability aligns with production schedules. - Monitor inventory levels and production requirements to minimize shortages, excess inventory, and production disruptions. - Support inventory optimization initiatives while maintaining service level expectations. - Assist with coordination of expedited materials or recovery plans during supply disruptions. **Cross-Functional Collaboration** - Partner with Operations, Manufacturing Supervisors, Engineering, Quality, Logistics, and Customer Service teams to align operational priorities. - Participate in daily production meetings and communicate scheduling changes, risks, and recovery plans. - Escalate production risks or schedule conflicts to leadership in a timely manner. - Support coordination of maintenance downtime, engineering changes, and production transitions. **Reporting & Data Analysis** - Monitor and analyze key operational metrics including schedule attainment, production efficiency, downtime, inventory levels, and on-time delivery. - Maintain accurate planning and scheduling data within ERP/MRP systems. - Develop reports and dashboards to support operational decision-making. - Identify trends and recommend process improvements to enhance scheduling effectiveness. **Continuous Improvement** - Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on production flow, schedule accuracy, operational efficiency, and waste reduction. - Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action activities related to production disruptions. - Assist in implementation of scheduling tools, system enhancements, and process standardization efforts. - Promote Lean Manufacturing and operational excellence practices within scheduling processes. **Qualifications** **Education** - Bachelors degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business, Industrial Engineering, or related field preferred. - Equivalent combination of education and manufacturing scheduling experience may be considered. **Experience** - 25 years of experience in production scheduling, manufacturing operations, supply chain, or planning roles. - Experience working in a manufacturing or distribution environment required. - Experience with ERP/MRP systems such as SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, Plex, or similar. - Experience in automotive, industrial, or high-volume manufacturing environments preferred. **Technical Skills** - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. - Advanced Microsoft Excel skills required. - Knowledge of production scheduling, inventory management, and capacity planning principles. - Experience using manufacturing planning and scheduling systems. - Ability to analyze operational data and make timely decisions. **Soft Skills** - Strong organizational and time management skills. - Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities. - Ability to prioritize and adapt in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. - Detail-oriented with strong follow-through and accountability. - Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.