Master Planner / Production Scheduler

Shield Restraint Systems, Inc.; Elkhart (IN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield Restraint Systems, Inc. is seeking a Production Planner / Master Scheduler in Elkhart, Indiana. This role is responsible for developing the Master Production Schedule and ensuring alignment with customer forecasts and material availability. Candidates should have a Bachelor's Degree and 2-3 years of experience in a manufacturing setting. Strong analytical skills and proficiency in ERP/MRP systems are essential. The position includes collaborating with various departments to manage production effectively, and the environment is office-based with occasional exposure to factory conditions.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to ISO9000/IATF16949 manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Proficiency in MS Office and Industrial ERP Systems required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the Master Production Schedule based on forecasts and capacity.
• Convert sales orders into actionable production plans.
• Analyze customer demand data for planning.
• Monitor production schedules and make necessary adjustments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve delivery risks.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Cross-functional communication

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

MS Office

Industrial ERP Systems

Job description

Job Title: Production Planner / Master Scheduler

Position Summary: The Production Planner / Master Scheduler is responsible for converting customer forecasts and sales orders into executable master production schedules aligned with plant capacity, material availability, and lead times. This role ensures the effective integration of demand and supply to achieve high levels of customer service, support revenue objectives, and maintain targeted inventory performance. The position plays a key role in balancing short‑term execution with long‑term planning by analyzing demand trends, monitoring production performance, and proactively adjusting schedules to meet changing business needs. The Production Planner / Master Scheduler collaborates cross‑functionally with Sales, Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Customer Service to resolve constraints and ensure on‑time delivery.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain the Master Production Schedule (MPS) based on customer forecasts, sales orders, capacity, and lead times
• Convert forecasts and sales orders into actionable production plans and build schedules
• Review material availability and production capacity to create feasible and efficient schedules
• Analyze customer demand data to support both short‑term execution and long‑term capacity planning
• Monitor production schedules and make adjustments to meet customer demand, including recommending overtime or reallocation of manpower
• Manage schedule changes to accommodate short lead‑time orders, including creation of manual shop orders when required
• Coordinate with Customer Service and production support teams to reallocate on‑hand inventory for shared components
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (Sales, Shipping, Processing, Engineering, and Quality) to resolve delivery risks and production issues
• Maintain and update key planning parameters within the ERP/MRP system (e.g., lead times, safety stock, order quantities)

Key Competencies (Optional but Recommended):

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment
• Effective cross‑functional communication and collaboration
• High attention to detail and organizational skills
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and data analysis tools

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree with 2-3 years experience in a manufacturing environment. Exposure to ISO9000/IATF16949 manufacturing environment preferred. Proficiency in MS Office and Industrial ERP Systems required.

Physical Demands and Work Environment: The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, reach with arms and hands, climb stairs, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 lbs. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time and an air‑conditioned and heated office. The noise level is moderate. The factory floor is in the same building as the office.

To conform to U.S. export control regulations, applicant should be eligible for any required authorizations from the U.S. Government.

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.