Production Scheduler

New Star Lighting; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

New Star Lighting, a Chicago-based B2B lighting manufacturer with 35+ years of experience, seeks a Production Scheduler to keep manufacturing operations organized and moving forward. You will develop and manage production schedules, coordinating with production, purchasing, inventory, and logistics to meet customer demand.

The role requires hands-on scheduling, strong Excel and ERP/MRP experience (E2 by ECI), and the ability to communicate schedule changes across teams.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of experience in production scheduling or planning.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (E2 by ECI).
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and scheduling software.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules.
• Coordinate production activities based on orders, inventory, and capacity.
• Monitor production progress and adjust schedules to minimize delays.
• Collaborate with purchasing to secure materials.
• Communicate schedule changes to production, warehouses, and customer service.
• Analyze production data to identify bottlenecks and improve efficiency.
• Track work orders and ensure timely completion.
• Maintain scheduling records and production reports.
• Ensure compliance with policies, quality standards, and safety regulations.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives in production planning.

Skills

Production scheduling

Organizational skills

Time management

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Teamwork

Prioritization

Tools

ERP/MRP: E2 by ECI

Microsoft Excel

Job description

We're a proudly independent, Chicago-based B2B lighting manufacturer with over 35 years of experience producing American-made lighting solutions for complex environments. In an industry dominated by giants, we've carved out our place as a trusted name known for quality craftsmanship, innovation, and a personal approach to manufacturing. As we continue to grow, we're looking for a Production Scheduler who can help keep our manufacturing operations organized, efficient, and moving forward.

Job Summary

A Production Scheduler plans, coordinates, and monitors manufacturing schedules to ensure products are produced efficiently, on time, and within budget. This role works closely with production, purchasing, inventory, and logistics teams to optimize workflow and meet customer demand.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules.
• Coordinate production activities based on customer orders, inventory levels, and capacity.
• Monitor production progress and adjust schedules to minimize delays.
• Collaborate with purchasing to ensure raw materials are available when needed.
• Communicate schedule changes to production, warehouse, and customer service teams.
• Analyze production data to identify bottlenecks and improve efficiency.
• Track work orders and ensure timely completion.
• Maintain accurate scheduling records and production reports.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, quality standards, and safety regulations.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to optimize production planning.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of experience in production scheduling, manufacturing, or production planning.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (company currently uses E2 by ECI).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other scheduling software.

Required Skills

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of production planning and inventory control principles.