Master Scheduler & Planner

Lil' Drug Store Products; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Lil' Drug Store Products is seeking an experienced Master Scheduler to align demand, inventory and capacity to optimize service and efficiency across the organization. The role emphasizes converting forecasts into actionable production and procurement plans using ERP tools.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in planning within manufacturing or distribution, with strong data analysis, cross-functional collaboration, and proficiency in Microsoft ERP systems and Excel.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Associate's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of related experience.
• Experience with logistics and freight is preferred.
• Experience with Microsoft ERP systems preferred.
• Experience leading projects and coordinating cross-functional teams in manufacturing/operations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain short- and long-term master production schedules.
• Convert demand forecasts into production and procurement plans.
• Leverage ERP systems and reporting platforms to support planning activities.
• Support SIOP and integrated business planning processes.
• Manage inventory levels and material availability to optimize working capital and service.
• Coordinate schedule changes and communicate across departments.
• Monitor schedules for disruptions and work with Purchasing to mitigate.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication

Adaptability

Detail orientation

Planning

Education

High school diploma

Associate's degree in Supply Chain or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

ERP systems (Microsoft ERP preferred)

Job description

Purpose of the Job: Develops and manages the master schedule to align customer demand, inventory targets, material availability and operational capacity to optimize service, efficiency, and business performance.

Supervisory Responsibility: No

Essential Job Responsibilities and Duties:

• Develop and maintain short- and long-term master production schedules to balance demand, inventory, capacity, and service objectives.
• Convert demand forecasts into production and procurement plans.
• Leverage ERP systems, planning tools, and reporting platforms to support planning activities, ensure data integrity, and drive consistent execution across functions.
• Support SIOP and integrated business planning processes through demand, supply, and inventory analysis.
• Manage inventory levels, planning parameters, and material availability to optimize working capital and customer service.
• Coordinate schedule changes and pro-actively communicate changes across Operations, Procurement, Sales, and Customer Service.
• Monitor schedule for supply disruptions; work with Purchasing & Sourcing to implement mitigation strategies as needed.
• Partner with Procurement, Operations, Forecasting, Customer Relations, and Sales to align inventory and service objectives.
• Analyze planning metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service, inventory performance, and operational efficiency.
• Support new item launches, item transitions, and product discontinuations.
• Develop and enhance reporting, planning, and ERP system tools to improve decision making, data accuracy, and operational efficiency.

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Associate's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations or a related field preferred

Experience:

• Minimum 7 years of related experience required
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook required
• Experience working with logistics and freight preferred
• Experience with Microsoft ERP systems preferred
• Experience leading projects, coordinating cross-functional teams, or influencing others in a manufacturing or operations environment preferred.
• Ethics, Integrity, Values: Has values aligned with the company and acts accordingly. Ably builds trust,and is widely trusted.
• Planning & Organizing: Plans and executes plans for events, tasks, or processes in an efficient manner
• Business Acumen: Understands how inventory, service levels, working capital, and operational decisions impact company performance and profitability.
• Detail Orientation & Quality Focus: Successfully manages many small tasks or processes with many details. Ensures quality standards are met.
• Analytical Thinking: Uses data to identify trends, risks, root causes, and opportunities, translating insights into actionable plans.
• Adaptability & Agility: Responds effectively to changing demand, supply disruptions, new product launches, and shifting business priorities. Accepts pressure and maintains composure and perspective in challenging situations.
• Results Focus: Is action and results oriented. Holds self and others accountable for performance.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Identifies opportunities to improve planning processes.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Builds strong relationships across Supply Chain, Sales, Operations, Procurement, Finance, and Distribution to drive alignment and execution.
• Communication & Influence: Clearly communicates priorities, risks, and recommendations while gaining alignment from stakeholders with competing objectives. Exerts influence over outcomes through trust and competence.
• Problem-Solving: Sees and is able to define problems. Investigates, assesses, and correctly identifies root causes.
• Decision-Making: Bases decisions on verified information, business acumen, and informed intuition.

Physical and Working Environment:

• Typical office and warehouse working conditions with machinery.
• Supports a production team working primarily 6:30 AM - 3:30 PM. Flexible work hours may be considered, provided production and business needs are consistently met.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.