Production Planner

Danfoss GmbH; Freeport, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 53,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentoring & training

Flexibility & autonomy

Inclusive work environment

Annual bonus & benefits

Job summary

Danfoss Power Solutions is seeking a Production Planner at our Freeport, IL facility to optimize manufacturing schedules and manage material planning, inventory, and process improvements. You will lead planning activities to meet customer demand and drive efficiency in a manufacturing environment.

The role requires a BA/BS with MRP/SAP experience and advanced Excel skills, plus strong problem-solving, communication, and independent work abilities in a dynamic, on-site setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) from a four-year college or equivalent professional experience.
• In-depth knowledge of MRP systems, with strong proficiency in SAP.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., formulas, pivot tables, macros) is a significant plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, and maintain production schedules for assigned product lines to meet delivery commitments.
• Analyze sales orders and system reports (SAP, Excel) to identify and respond to new or changing manufacturing requirements.
• Coordinate all phases of assigned projects, monitoring progress to ensure a smooth and timely flow of parts through the production cycle.
• Interface directly with Strategic Planning and Purchasing to resolve tactical obstacles and ensure alignment.

Skills

MRP systems

SAP

Advanced Excel

Problem solving

Independent work

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS)

Tools

SAP

Excel

DIMS

Job description

Segment: Danfoss Power Solutions Segment

Job Category: Supply Chain and Operations

Work Location Type: On-site

Annual Salary Range: USD 53,000-82,000

Job Experience Level: Mid-Senior level

Production Planner

Req ID: 51475 Job Location: Freeport IL, US Employment Type: Full Time Segment: Danfoss Power Solutions Segment Job Category: Supply Chain and Operations Work Location Type: On-site Annual Salary Range: USD 53,000-82,000 Job Experience Level: Mid-Senior level

Job Description

The Impact You'll Make

Danfoss is currently seeking our next Production Planner at our Freeport, IL facility. We are seeking a proactive and experienced Senior Supply Chain Coordinator to join our team. In this pivotal role, you will be the central point for our production planning, ensuring that our manufacturing schedules are optimized to meet customer demand. You will take a leadership role in managing everything from material requirements and inventory levels to process improvements, making a direct impact on our efficiency and success.

If you are a strategic thinker with a knack for problem-solving and a deep understanding of manufacturing environments, we want to hear from you.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Production Planning & Scheduling:
• Develop, manage, and maintain production schedules for assigned product lines to meet delivery commitments.
• Analyze sales orders and system reports (SAP, Excel) to identify and respond to new or changing manufacturing requirements.
• Coordinate all phases of assigned projects, monitoring progress to ensure a smooth and timely flow of parts through the production cycle.
• Interface directly with Strategic Planning and Purchasing to resolve tactical obstacles and ensure alignment.
• Inventory & Materials Management:
• Manage inventory levels to optimize stock, minimize costs, and ensure the availability of materials for production.
• Lead cycle count activities, investigate inventory discrepancies, and implement corrective actions to improve accuracy.
• Review inventory regularly to identify excess or obsolete parts and recommend appropriate actions.
• Coordinate with vendors, manage subcontracted work when necessary, and resolve any delivery or quality deviations.
• Process Improvement & Analysis:
• Actively participate in planning for new product releases, advising on necessary system preparations and process adjustments.
• Perform make-or-buy analyses to identify potential cost-saving opportunities.
• Proactively identify and contribute to solving production challenges, including vendor delays, tooling issues, rework, and design changes.
• Originate and maintain product data and structures within our systems (e.g., DIMS records).
• Leadership & Collaboration:
• Embrace a leadership role to enhance the performance of the planning, production control, and clerical teams.
• Serve as an effective trainer and communicator, fostering strong, cooperative relationships across all departments.
• Organize and prioritize work assignments to meet deadlines, anticipate challenges, and apply creative solutions.
• Champion a safe, clean, and orderly work environment by adhering to all safety regulations.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) from a four-year college or equivalent professional experience.
• In-depth knowledge of MRP systems, with strong proficiency in SAP.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., formulas, pivot tables, macros) is a significant plus.
• Proven ability to define problems, collect and analyze data, and draw valid conclusions.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to write reports, correspondence, and present information effectively to various audiences.
• A demonstrated ability to work independently, make timely decisions, and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

This position is also open as a development opportunity for the right individual who demonstrates strong potential and a willingness to grow.

Work Environment: This role operates primarily in an office setting with a moderate noise level. The position is frequently sedentary, involving sitting, talking, and hearing, with occasional requirements to stand and walk. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The salary range for this role is $53,000 - $75,000 based on experience.

What You’ll Get from Us

• We promote from within and support your learning with mentoring, training, and access to global opportunities.
• You’ll have flexibility, autonomy, and support to do your best work while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Your well-being matters to us.
• We strive to create an inclusive work environment where people of all backgrounds are respected, and valued for who they are.
• You’ll receive benefits like an annual bonus, paid vacation, personal insurance, and more. These vary by country and contract, but they’re worth asking about—we think they’re pretty great.

Our Commitment to Transparency

Salary ranges listed reflect only primary location and currency. For local salary ranges and specific benefits in your preferred hiring location, please ask your Talent Acquisition representative for more information.

The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Any benefits listed do not promise or guarantee any particular benefit or specific action. They may depend on country or contract specifics and are subject to change at any time without prior notice.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected category.

Danfoss engineers solutions that increase machine productivity, reduce emissions, lower energy consumption, and enable electrification.

Our solutions are used in areas such as refrigeration, air conditioning, heating, power conversion, motor control, industrial machinery, marine, and on- and off-highway equipment. We also provide solutions for data centers, renewable energy, energy storage, heat recovery, as well as contribute to district energy solutions for cities.

Our innovative engineering dates back to 1933. Danfoss is family-owned and employs over 39,000 people. We create long-term value for our customers in more than 100 countries with a global footprint of around 100 factories.