Strategic Production Planner — Ice Cream & Mix

Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream is seeking a Planning Specialist to deliver capacity-constrained production plans for filling lines and the Mix Plant. You will ensure plans are feasible, sequenced properly, and aligned with resources, GMP, and cross‑functional needs.

The role requires advanced Excel, strong analytical and negotiation skills, and the ability to lead cross‑functional planning discussions. You will drive 4‑ and 2‑week planning horizons, maintain SOPs, and support continuous improvement in

Qualifications

• Two or more years of relevant operational experience in manufacturing or planning.
• Knowledge of MPS (Master Production Scheduling), DRP (Distribution Requirement Planning) and MRP (Material Requirement Planning).
• Understanding of supply chain KPIs and how planning drives performance.
• Experience with Sales & Operational Planning including scenario planning and risk assessment.

Responsibilities

• Create feasible production plans within the detailed planning period, considering capacity, labor, materials, and sequencing.
• Develop realistic Mix Plans that meet factory requirements while complying with batching, CIP, and GMP constraints.
• Create and maintain all Work Orders in JDE for factory and mix planning; changes flow through the planner.
• Conduct daily reviews and weekly planning meetings with cross-functional teams; distribute minutes.
• Establish a 4-week production plan with minimal changeovers and zero downtime.
• Establish a 2-week Mix Plan that supports current and upcoming products.
• Track and update daily inventory; identify risks and reschedule based on lead times.
• Update planning tools and align efficiency with the supply planner; keep SOPs current.
• Monitor material flow and assist buyers with adjustments; communicate run-outs to operations.
• Manage bulk orders to ensure smooth arrival and unloading; minimize detention.
• Update Work Orders daily in planning tools; ensure schedule adherence and accurate documentation.
• Identify CIP cycles, production shutdowns, and preventive maintenance in the plan.
• Monitor new products for mix readiness and on-time launch.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Communication

Leadership

Organization

Presentation skills

Documentation skills

Planning cycles

Costing

Optimization

Job description

Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream is seeking a Planning Specialist to deliver capacity-constrained production plans for filling lines and the Mix Plant. You will ensure plans are feasible, sequenced properly, and aligned with resources, GMP, and cross‑functional needs.

The role requires advanced Excel, strong analytical and negotiation skills, and the ability to lead cross‑functional planning discussions. You will drive 4‑ and 2‑week planning horizons, maintain SOPs, and support continuous improvement in