AAI/Spalding - Production Planner

Fruit of the Loom, Inc.; Jefferson (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Fruit of the Loom, Inc. in Jefferson, Iowa, is seeking a Production Planner to develop production schedules and capacity plans that maximize efficiency and meet forecast demand.

The role requires collaboration across departments, timely communication of plans, and leadership to resolve scheduling issues and optimize material flow, ensuring on-time delivery and optimal production throughput.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, a related field, or equivalent experience preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to influence peers.
• Solid math and analytical abilities for forecasting and capacity planning.
• Proven ability to make timely, sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Leadership to direct and coordinate work across teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel; ERP or scheduling software knowledge is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare production schedules and capacity plans to maximize efficiency.
• Track daily execution of production requirements and manage inventory levels.
• Collaborate with production teams and other departments to adjust priorities.
• Lead meetings and communicate plans and potential delays across teams.
• Manage work orders, purchasing impacts, and vendor delivery dates.
• Coordinate with accounting and inventory control to ensure data accuracy.
• Identify barriers and work with engineering to resolve scheduling issues.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Decision making

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP

Scheduling software

Job description

AAI/Spalding is a leading sports equipment manufacturer located in Jefferson, Iowa and part of Fruit of the Loom, an independent, wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

We currently have an opening for a Produc tion Plann er. This position is esponsible for providing reports, evaluating capacity, and creating schedules to maximize production efficiencies and to meet forecast or customer demand. Works closely with other departments to analyze inventory, review raw material requirements, release work orders for custom orders and to fill production capacity, advise on s taffing adjustment needs, and adjust scheduling to meet updated forecasting. Responsible for ensuring that production plans are executed and aids in resolving any issues quickly. Must clearly communicate plans and potential shortag es to multiple departments across the organization.

As the official supplier to USA Gymnastics, NCAA, YMCA National Gymnastics Championships, and a partner of the Federation Internationale De Gymnastique (FIG), AAI is committed to advancing the sport through grassroots initiatives and a legacy of quality, service, and innovation.

Spalding, the world's largest basketball equipment supplier and official backstop supplier of the NCAA, brings its renowned excellence to volleyball with premium products designed for high school, collegiate, and professional athletes.

Specific Responsibilities

Continuous improvement and daily preparation of production schedules and capacity plans. Track/monitor daily execution of production requirements and ensure adequate inventory levels are achieved based on backlog and forecast.

Interact daily with production teams and other key personnel to execute plans, adjust priorities as needed, and collaborate on contingencies to overcome barriers. Lead production team meetings as required.

Adjust work order due dates (slide/accelerate) to fill production capacity and meet customer needs. Provide improvement opportunities to management such as staffing needs to ensure goals are achieved.

Manage, support, and provide backup to buyer/s. Issue purchase orders, adjust safety stocks, shop for favorable pricing, and ensure vendors accomplish agreed upon ship dates.

Collaborate with accounting and inventory control personnel to confirm accuracy of daily reporting data, inventory, and to ensure adequate work order volume is released in all areas for efficiency. Communicate to customer service and other team members as needed on lead time/scheduling changes.

Work with engineering to discuss any barriers or complexities that could jeopardize the rollout of new product/s. Report any raw material stocking levels, work orders, and staffing that falls short of meeting customer demand.

Work with the team to identify work order issues and aid in making corrections (coding, run size, incorrect prints/bills of material, etc.) to ensure proper production timing and flow. Back up and support inventory control positions as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, a related field, or equivalent experience preferred.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to positively influence peers.
• Strong math and analytical skills.
• Ability to make sound and timely decisions in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Leadership skills; ability to direct, motivate and coordinate the work of others.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel); ERP or scheduling software knowledge is a plus.

Minimum Job Experience Required

• 3+ years of production planning, supply chain, manufacturing operations, or related work experience
• Experience developing production schedules and coordinating cross-functional activities