Production Planner

Aptyx; Torrington (CT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the medical device sector is seeking a proactive Production Planner to manage efficient scheduling in a high-volume manufacturing facility. The role involves developing production schedules, coordinating across departments, and ensuring on-time delivery. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in production planning, particularly in medical device manufacturing, and proficiency in ERP systems. This position is crucial for achieving delivery goals and enhancing customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years in production planning within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong working knowledge of IQMS or Epicor ERP/MRP systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, and adjust production schedules based on customer orders.
• Collaborate with Purchasing to ensure material availability.
• Evaluate equipment, labor, and tooling availability.

Skills

Communication

Organizational Skills

Time Management

Attention to Detail

Data Analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain

Bachelor's degree in Operations

Bachelor's degree in Business

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

IQMS

Epicor ERP

Excel

Job description

We're looking for a proactive, technically savvy Production Planner to drive efficient, customer-focused scheduling in a high-volume medical injection molding facility. This role owns the development and execution of daily and long-range production schedules, while serving as a central point of coordination between Customer Service, Engineering, Toolroom, Mold Maintenance, Production, Purchasing, and Quality.

The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, can navigate IQMS or Epicor ERP systems with confidence, and knows how to turn customer needs into actionable production plans. This person will help define lead times, ensure 95%+ on-time delivery, and collaborate cross-functionally, especially with the Operations Manager and Value Stream Managers in Molding and Assembly, to resolve late lines and production constraints quickly. They will also help build systems and processes that align purchasing and scheduling with material needs and inventory strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

1. End-to-End Production Scheduling

• Develop, manage, and adjust production schedules based on customer orders, capacity constraints, tooling, and material availability.
• Balance short-term and long-term production goals, ensuring alignment with sales and delivery targets.

1. Inventory & Material Planning Alignment

• Maintain a clear understanding of current inventory levels and upcoming material requirements to support production schedules.
• Collaborate with Purchasing to ensure raw materials, components, and packaging are available when needed - without excess inventory buildup.
• Participate in building or refining systems to tightly align procurement and scheduling activities for improved material readiness and cost control.

1. Central Point of Coordination

• Act as a go-to resource for Customer Service, Program Managers, and Operations - translating customer expectations into clear, realistic schedules.
• Communicate schedule priorities and changes across departments including Toolroom, Mold Maintenance, Molding, Assembly, Quality, and Engineering.

1. Capacity & Resource Planning

• Evaluate equipment, labor, and tooling availability to create realistic schedules that maximize uptime.
• Anticipate bottlenecks or overcapacity situations and collaborate with stakeholders to adjust plans or escalate issues.

1. ERP & Data-Driven Decision Making

• Use IQMS or Epicor ERP systems to build, manage, and maintain detailed work orders and production plans.
• Analyze real-time production and inventory data to adjust schedules and drive smarter decisions.

1. On-Time Delivery & Late Line Recovery

• Partner with floor supervisors and leads to get late lines back on track, support escalation paths, and drive schedule recovery.
• Help define and maintain realistic lead times in collaboration with Sales and Program Management to support delivery targets.

1. Cross-Functional Communication

• Maintain regular alignment with Operations Manager and Value Stream Managers in Molding and Assembly, ensuring that production schedules are in sync with operational capabilities and business needs.
• Proactively communicate any risks or changes to internal stakeholders with solutions in hand.

1. Continuous Improvement & System Building

• Support initiatives to streamline planning and inventory control processes, reduce changeovers, and improve schedule accuracy.
• Help build more robust planning systems that improve visibility, decision-making, and alignment across teams.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Equivalent experience will be considered.

Experience:

• 3-5 years in production planning within a manufacturing environment, ideally medical device or injection molding.
• Strong working knowledge of IQMS or Epicor ERP/MRP systems.

Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication - able to work cross-functionally with calm, clarity, and confidence.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• High attention to detail with the ability to zoom out and prioritize big-picture production goals.
• ERP and Excel proficiency; ability to analyze data and turn insights into actions.
• Strong understanding of material requirements planning (MRP), inventory management, and lead time logic.

Physical & Work Environment:

• Primarily based in an office setting within a manufacturing facility, with frequent interaction on the production floor.
• Ability to walk/stand in manufacturing environments and lift up to 25 lbs if needed.

Additional Information:

• May occasionally require overtime or weekend work to meet production schedules.
• This role is essential to achieving our delivery goals, streamlining operational flow, and supporting customer satisfaction.