Production Planner

IPS Corporation; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

IPS Adhesives (IPSA) in Durham, NC, is seeking a Production Planner to drive material and production planning for North America. You will balance demand with supply, manage inventory, and support on-time deliveries while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Supply Chain or equivalent, 3–5 years in purchasing or inventory planning, and hands-on experience with ERP/MRP systems. Strong analytical and collaboration skills are essential to succeed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain or equivalent experience.
• 3–5 years’ experience in purchasing, inventory planning, Lean manufacturing, ERP systems (Microsoft Dynamics MRP), and demand planning.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Support on-time delivery of customer orders.
• Manage inventory levels to meet production goals and optimize working capital.
• Lead cross-functional kaizen events and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Interface with customer service and production teams to align material plans.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Planning and scheduling

Cross-functional teamwork

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Excel

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics MRP

ERP systems

Excel

Job description

IPS Adhesives (IPSA) is a global supplier of adhesives and related solutions to a wide variety of markets. For over 65 years, IPS Adhesives has invested in product innovation, that provides specialized bonding solutions that are shaping the future of leading-edge assembly and construction design. Our brands are trusted worldwide by kitchen, bedroom and bathroom fitters, sign and display assembly operations, structural partners working in transportation, construction, boat building and more. Through these innovative performance and environmentally conscious-led solutions, we believe we can also help improve the lives of people working in these industries for generations to come.

IPS Adhesives wants to Inspire its People to Succeed by engaging dynamic, collaborative and safety conscious team members to join our growing business. We are looking for a talented, “act-like-an-owner” team member to help drive our business, starting with the voice of the customer and closing with extraordinary service and value.

The Production Planner is responsible for material and production planning support for North America. This includes planning production materials to meet customer and financial requirements while managing inventory levels and minimizing carrying cost. This person will help build and support a culture of continuous improvement in the operations organization, as well as lead and participate on kaizens throughout the business.

Expected Results:

• Support on time delivery of customer orders
• Manage inventory levels to support production goals and maintain working capital
• Optimized planning and replenishment methods to drive sustainable process improvements within inventory, manufacturing/capacity planning, and product sourcing.
• New product implementation and support
• Participates in Lean events geared at Continuous improvement.
• Cross functional teamwork to achieve desired targets and business goals

Accountabilities:

• Monitor customer order patterns and changing requirements, while adjusting replenishment plans accordingly. Coordinate inventory additions/deletions, new product introductions, inventory transitions
• Provide department support on cross-functional project teams including new product development, cost reduction initiatives and process improvements (best practices).
• Gather and analyze manufacturing, inventory, and customer data. Develop appropriate decision-support tools and metrics for use by department staff and team members.
• Develop knowledge of all portions of position for coverage and/or advancement
• Assist with managing ERP database for all item numbers. This includes BOMs, chemicals, packaging, shipping, routings, supplier’s transportation, and MRP updates.
• Interface daily with customer service and sales teams to ensure materials plan meets customer and business needs
• Prior experience in manufacturing required
• Experience with ERP systems
• Strong analytical, problem solving, planning and general business skills.
• Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability work with a team and motivate others to achieve goals.
• Experience with Lean applications/kaizen strongly preferred
• Ability to lead and collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams and/or project environment.
• PC Skills – Excel (intermediate to advanced); Word (working knowledge).
• Customer Orientated – Ability to meet or exceed customers’ needs while following company procedures.
• Detail Orientated – Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task.
• Tactful – Ability to show consideration for and maintain good relations with others.
• Working Under Pressure – Ability to complete assigned tasks under stressful situations.
• Honesty/Integrity – Ability to be truthful and be seen as credible in the workplace
• Flexibility – Ability to work through change while maintaining a positive attitude

Educational Preferences/Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain or equivalent experience
• 3-5 years’ experience in purchasing, inventory planning, Lean Manufacturing, ERP systems (Microsoft Dynamics MRP), Demand Planning