Production Planner, Global Manufacturer

Akzo Nobel; Waukegan (IL); On-site; USD 78,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

AD&D

401K retirement savings with company 6

Generous vacation and leave

Parental leave

Diversity and Inclusion Networks

Career growth opportunities

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee referral bonus

Job summary

AkzoNobel seeks a Production Planner in Illinois to coordinate production planning across Supply Chain, Production, Logistics, and Procurement, ensuring inventory and service levels meet demand. The role emphasizes SAP-based planning and collaboration across functions.

Requires a BS in a related field and 3 years in planning or manufacturing, with strong Excel and ERP experience. Fluent English is essential. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in a related field is required.
• Minimum 3 years in production planning or manufacturing operations.
• Experience in batch chemical manufacturing is preferred.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills and data interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate short-, medium-, and long-term production planning across departments.
• Create, release, and schedule process orders to meet demand.
• Monitor inventory levels and identify supply risks using ERP/MRP tools.
• Develop SAP planning parameters according to safety stock targets and demand.
• Drive continuous improvement for planning efficiency and delivery performance.
• Support integrated business planning for demand, production, and inventory.

Skills

English fluency

Organizational skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Excel

MS Office

Job description

About AkzoNobel

Since 1792, we've been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people's lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands - including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon - is trusted by customers around the globe. We're active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It's what you'd expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that's dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today - while creating an even better tomorrow. Let's paint the future together. For more information please visit www.akzonobel.com © 2024 Akzo Nobel N.V. All rights reserved.

Job Purpose

Coordinate short, medium, and long-term production planning activities to support customer demand, inventory optimization, and operational efficiency. Will manage production order creation and scheduling activities while ensuring alignment between Supply Chain, Production, Logistics, Customer Service, and Procurement. Will also serve as a key contributor in driving inventory management, production continuity, service performance, and continuous improvement initiatives across the designated site.

Key Responsibilites

• Coordinate short, medium, and long-term production planning activities across operational departments, managing and monitoring related key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Create, release, and schedule process orders to support production execution and customer demand requirements.
• Coordinate production priorities and communicate scheduling updates across Supply Chain, Logistics, Customer Service, Procurement, and Plant Operations.
• Monitor inventory levels and proactively identify supply risks, shortages, or production constraints using enterprise resource planning (ERP) and material resource planning (MRP) tools.
• Develop and maintain new materials and planning parameters in SAP according to customer requirements, safety stock targets, and demand expectations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on process optimization, inventory reduction/levelling, scheduling efficiency, and delivery performance.
• Participate in root cause analysis activities related to planning, scheduling, inventory, or service disruptions.
• Support and participate in integrated business planning processes for demand analysis, production planning, and inventory management.
• Will partner cross-functionally to troubleshoot operational challenges and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety standards, procedures, and Life Saving Rules.
• Will participate in site safety programs, audits, training, and Behavioral Based Safety initiatives.
• Will also intervene and escape unsafe conditions or behaviors in alignment with AkzoNobel safety expectations.

Job Responsibilities

• Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field.
• 3 years' experience in production planning, supply chain management, scheduling, or manufacturing operations.
• Experience in a batch manufacturing or chemical manufacturing environment preferred.
• Additional experience will be considered in lieu of educational requirement.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Must be able to interact across multiple departments and organizational levels with the ability to challenge and improve existing processes.
• Effective analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret operational and inventory data.
• Must be detail-oriented.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills preferred.
• Experience using material resource planning or enterprise resource planning ERP) software such as SAP.
• Fluent in English.

Rewards and Benefits

The salary range for these skills is $78,000.00 - $85,000.00 based upon experience. This is the range that we in good faith anticipate relying on when setting wages for this position. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This salary range may also be modified in the future.

This position is also eligible for an annual bonus target of 5%, based on individual and company performance.

Perks for Joining AkzoNobel!

• Medical insurance with HSADental, Vision, Life, AD&D benefits
• 401K retirement savings with 6% company match
• Generous vacation, personal and holiday pay
• Paid Parental leave
• Active Diversity and Inclusion Networks
• Career growth opportunities on a regional and global scale
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee referral bonus #LI-VS1

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.