Production Planner

Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company in Columbia, Missouri, is seeking a Production Planner to develop and manage production schedules that balance customer demand with capacity. You will coordinate with Purchasing, Manufacturing, Engineering and Quality to ensure on-time delivery while optimizing inventory and working capital.

The role emphasizes ERP/MRP proficiency, advanced Excel skills, and strong analytical and communication abilities to support continuous improvement in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Associate degree preferred, or equivalent experience.
• 3-5 years of experience in Planning, Supply Chain, Purchasing, or Manufacturing.
• ERP/MRP systems experience required.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Strong analytical problem-solving and cross-functional communication skills.
• Customer-focused mindset.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain production schedules balancing demand and capacity.
• Review forecasts, inventory and material availability to build achievable plans.
• Monitor schedule attainment and adjust priorities as needed.
• Coordinate with Purchasing to secure material availability and place purchase orders.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Customer Service and Quality to resolve constraints.
• Maintain planning data in ERP/MRP systems for real-time visibility.
• Support expedite process with internal customers and suppliers.
• Assist Lean and continuous improvement initiatives in planning processes.

Skills

Analytical skills

Cross-functional communication

Customer focus

Advanced Excel

Education

Associate degree

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Oracle ERP

Job description

At Watlow's Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Columbia, Missouri, we combine precision manufacturing with forward-thinking innovation. Part of a global thermal solutions leader founded in 1922, our Columbia facility is a critical hub for high-performance manufacturing, engineering, and operational excellence.

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We are hiring a: Production Planner

Columbia, Missouri

The Production Planner is responsible for developing and maintaining production schedules that balance customer demand and manufacturing capacity. This individual will also ensure optimal inventory and material availability through purchase order placement and communication with external suppliers. This role partners with Manufacturing, Customer Service, Engineering, and Supply Chain to ensure on-time delivery while optimizing efficiency and supporting operational excellence.

What you'll do:

• Production scheduling: Develop and maintain production schedules that balance customer demand and manufacturing capacity, reviewing forecasts, inventory, and material availability to build achievable production plans.
• Schedule attainment & prioritization: Monitor schedule attainment and adjust priorities as business needs change to keep production aligned with demand.
• Material & purchasing coordination: Coordinate with Purchasing to ensure material availability, and place purchase orders for raw components to support the production plan.
• Cross-functional problem solving: Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Customer Service, and Quality to resolve production constraints and keep orders on track.
• Systems & data management: Maintain planning data within ERP/MRP systems to ensure accurate, real-time visibility into schedules and materials.
• Performance & KPI tracking: Analyze KPIs including on-time delivery, inventory, and schedule adherence to drive continuous improvement.
• Communication & expediting: Facilitate clear communication and support the expedite process with both internal customers and external suppliers.
• Continuous improvement: Support Lean and continuous improvement initiatives across the planning and scheduling process.

What you'll need to succeed?

• Associate degree preferred, or equivalent experience
• 3-5 years of experience in Planning, Supply Chain, Purchasing, or Manufacturing preferred
• ERP/MRP systems experience required
• Advanced Excel skills
• Strong analytical problem-solving and cross-functional communication skills
• Customer-focused mindset

Preferred qualifications:

• Oracle ERP experience
• Lean experience or certification