Sr. Production Planner Job

The Arkema Group; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Arkema Group is seeking a skilled supply chain planner to optimize production sequencing, material flow, and inventory control. You will manage MRP, create and track production orders in SAP, and collaborate across Purchasing, Operations, Logistics, and Customer Service.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years of planning experience, a strong background in materials management and S&OP processes, and excellent communication to drive cross-functional alignment in a fast-paced manufacturing

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years experience in planning manufacturing operations.
• BS in Business Administration, Supply Chain or related field (preferred).
• SAP experience and training preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to lead cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of S&OP, MRP, BOMs and inventory controls.

Responsibilities

• Review and resolve daily MRP exception messages to address planning and supply issues.
• Plan using capacity, volumes, and assets; sequence production orders in SAP.
• Maintain demand forecasts and ensure accuracy.
• Manage full lifecycle of production orders with focus on efficiency.
• Release raw material requisitions and monitor safety stock.
• Coordinate with purchasing, plant operations, logistics, and customer service.

Skills

Materials mgmt

Supplier quality

S&OP process

Cross-functional

Prioritize work

Education

BS in Business Admin

High school diploma

APICS certification

Six Sigma/LEAN/ISO

Tools

SAP ERP

Job description

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Essential Duties & Responsibilities with % Breakdown:

Identify the major activities or responsibilities of the job (usually 4 to 6). Using a short phrase name or list each activity; estimate the percentage of time spent on each one. Then describe each activity in detail, and how it is done. Use increments of 10% and higher.

Production Order Management – 30%

• Review and resolve daily MRP exception messages to address planning and supply issues.
• Perform exception-based planning considering new volumes, product scale-ups, capacity, and asset use.
• Create and sequence production orders by reactor grade and train, optimizing schedules in SAP.
• Maintain demand forecasts by removing outdated data.
• Manage the full lifecycle of production orders ensuring accuracy and efficiency.

Raw Material Management – 30%

• Release and manage raw material requisitions daily to meet demand and inventory targets.
• Communicate delays from late raw material deliveries to Customer Service and Buyers.
• Set and communicate raw material safety stock levels.
• Monitor raw material supply after production or demand changes.
• Enter supplier non-conformance reports and confirm missed deliveries.
• Manage B2B and specialty workflow orders.
• Participate in Supply & Operations Planning (S&OP).
• Work closely with Purchasing, Plant Operations, Logistics, and Customer Service to optimize supply chain and prioritize production.

Inventory Management – 30%

• Provide monthly inventory and cost accuracy reports to relevant teams.
• Lead investigations to resolve inventory discrepancies and prevent reoccurrence.
• Perform daily, weekly, and monthly inventory transactions to maintain accuracy year-round.
• Conduct monthly physical counts and reconciliations of raw materials and toted materials; increase frequency if discrepancies arise.
• Support audits, stock takes, and compliance activities (SOX, corporate audits).
• Collaborate with Process Engineering and Logistics to maintain accurate BOMs, routings, buffer stocks, and production data.
• Report slow-moving inventory monthly.
• Support ERP system transactions and resolve issues with blocked, quarantined, or non-standard inventory and production orders.
• Review and clean Stock Transport Orders daily and close production orders in SAP twice weekly to maintain accurate MRP data.
• Investigate and report significant inventory adjustments and troubleshoot data errors.

Other Duties – 10%

• Serve as backup to the Logistics Coordinator.
• Participate in Logistics On-Call rotation every other week.
• Support multiple plant locations as needed in a site-based, full-time role.
• Ensure production needs are met based on forecasts, supply strategy, and urgent customer orders.
• Comply with plant procedures, policies, and supply chain standards.
• Take initiative, make timely decisions, and contribute to team goals through cooperation and participation.

Min Years of Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience required in the planning manufacturing operations.
• Proficient in materials management, supplier quality and performance requirements, understanding of the productions processes, and S&OP process.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills.

Education and area of focus

• High school diploma or equivalent (required). BS Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, or related field (preferred)

Certifications/Trainings:

• SAP related training or certifications preferred.
• APICS certification
• Six Sigma, LEAN, and/or ISO experience
• Proven leadership of teams, projects, etc. Versatile and flexible team player. Ability to engage a cross-functional team towards a desired outcome. Ability to organize and plan use of time and people effectively and efficiently. Ability to work independently
• Good verbal and written communications skills to communicate effectively with the hourly workforce, the plant day staff, contract employees, and other plant and company leaders.
• Ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• Solid judgment and problem analysis skills are required.
• Experience with developing or implementing environmental systems & policies. Highly motivated team player able to work at a fast pace.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

This position reports in a manufacturing facility. The position will be mainly desk orientated but must be able to walk through production area and participate in inventory activities as needed.

Who we are? Arkema is a world leader in Innovative Materials for a Sustainable World with the ambition to become a pure Specialty Materials player.

We thrive as One Arkema, comprised of many businesses and brands including Bostik, ArrMaz, and more! and operating with a global reach in 55 countries with more than 20,700 employees. Each one contributes to positioning Arkema as a recognized leader of specialty chemicals and advanced materials, reporting annual sales of €9.1 billion, of which 3.1% allocated to R&D for 1,800 researchers in 17 R&D centers.

If you pursue excellence, love innovation and are inspired by challenges, we encourage you through www.arkema.com to learn more about our values – Solidarity, Performance, Simplicity, Empowerment, and Inclusion – and how we concentrate on advances in bio-based and recyclable materials, new energies, water management, electronic solutions, lightweight materials and design, home efficiency and insulation.

Changing the world requires the right formula. The right formula consists of our innovative and sustainable materials, and you. Join us to develop the materials of tomorrow and make a difference together. What are you made of?

Nearest Major Market: Grand Rapids
Job Segment: Logistics, Supply Chain, Supply, Facilities, ERP, Operations, Technology

Arkema Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Arkema Inc. complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting and hiring.