Strategic Production Planner: Align Demand & Capacity

Dover-Corporation; Elon (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

OPW is seeking a Production Planner to align customer demand with manufacturing capacity and ensure efficient flow of materials across operations. You will develop and execute production schedules that support on‑time delivery while optimizing inventory levels and resources.

You will create detailed weekly and daily plans, monitor performance, and collaborate with Purchasing, Engineering, Customer Service, and Operations to resolve scheduling issues and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• Five (5) or more years of experience in production planning, scheduling, inventory planning, or supply chain planning within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems, production planning principles, inventory control, and capacity planning.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills with the ability to analyze data and make informed planning decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret demand signals, evaluate capacity constraints, and develop effective production schedules.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across multiple functional areas.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP, or CLTD) is a plus.
• Experience with Infor MAPICS or similar ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and execute production schedules that balance customer demand, inventory levels, production capacity, and available materials.
• Create detailed weekly and daily production plans for assigned manufacturing value streams.
• Monitor schedule attainment and production performance, identifying risks and recovery plans.
• Collaborate with Purchasing, Production, Engineering, Customer Service, and Operations to resolve material, capacity, and scheduling issues.
• Manage MRP planning messages and ensure production priorities reflect current requirements.
• Establish and maintain appropriate inventory levels, including safety stock and work-in-process inventory.
• Analyze forecast changes, demand variability, and inventory trends to adjust schedules.
• Support new product introductions, engineering changes, and phase-in/phase-out activities.
• Monitor inventory accuracy and work order integrity to support production execution.
• Lead or participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to production planning and supply chain processes.

Skills

Advanced Excel

MRP/ERP knowledge

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

Infor MAPICS

Excel (Advanced)

Job description

OPW is seeking a Production Planner to align customer demand with manufacturing capacity and ensure efficient flow of materials across operations. You will develop and execute production schedules that support on‑time delivery while optimizing inventory levels and resources.

You will create detailed weekly and daily plans, monitor performance, and collaborate with Purchasing, Engineering, Customer Service, and Operations to resolve scheduling issues and drive continuous improvement.