Strategic Food Production Planner

RodgersHouder: Human Capital Solutions; Oakbrook Terrace (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

RodgersHouder: Human Capital Solutions is assisting a premier, privately-held food manufacturer based in Oak Brook with hiring a Production Planner. The role centers on creating and maintaining a master production schedule that aligns customer demand with labor, capacity and inventory constraints within a cross-functional team.

You will translate forecasts into actionable plans, monitor finished goods and WIP, and ensure ERP/MRP schedules reflect allergen controls and efficient line operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field.
• 5+ years of experience in production planning, supply chain, manufacturing or operations.
• Knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, allergens and general food safety practices is highly beneficial.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop a daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly production schedule.
• Translate demand forecasts and customer orders into a coherent production plan.
• Monitor inventory levels of finished goods and schedule appropriate production levels.
• Monitor daily schedule attainment and adjust for carryover production.
• Coordinate schedule changes with all departments to match capacity and labor.
• Help minimize downtime, changeovers, waste and obsolescence.
• Track WIP levels and fit final processing into the schedule to minimize disruptions.
• Maintain ERP/MRP schedules for smooth production.
• Adhere to scheduling rules regarding allergens and washdowns in the ERP system.
• Participate in daily production meetings and cross-department discussions on continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support capacity planning, identify bottlenecks and propose solutions to maintain schedules across lines.
• Collaborate with leadership to develop efficiency and labor reports.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain or operations management, business, industrial engineering, or related fields

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

RodgersHouder: Human Capital Solutions is assisting a premier, privately-held food manufacturer based in Oak Brook with hiring a Production Planner. The role centers on creating and maintaining a master production schedule that aligns customer demand with labor, capacity and inventory constraints within a cross-functional team.

You will translate forecasts into actionable plans, monitor finished goods and WIP, and ensure ERP/MRP schedules reflect allergen controls and efficient line operations.