Production Planner

Role Purpose:The Production Planning Supervisor is an exempt frontline leadership role responsible for shift-level ownership of production planning, labor execution, and operational readiness. This role ensures that each shift is properly planned, staffed, and positioned to achieve throughput, productivity, and service level objectives while minimizing labor inefficiencies.Operating within a multi-shift, high-volume environment, the Production Planning Supervisor translates site-level production plans into actionable, real-time execution strategies. This role serves as the critical link between planning and operations, ensuring that labor, work, and resources remain aligned throughout the shift.The Production Planning Supervisor is accountable for driving plan adherence, identifying and resolving execution gaps in real time, and providing clear, data-driven insights on performance. This role partners closely with Operations leadership to ensure that plans are not only accurate but executable within the realities of the floor.This role is an exempt, salaried position, as defined by the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This exempt leadership role required schedule flexibility, including extended shifts, weekends, and holidays, based on operational need.Core Accountabilities:Shift-Level Planning OwnershipOwn the development and execution of the shift labor plan across assigned departments or workflowsTranslate daily production plans into: Hour-by-hour labor allocationDepartment-level staffing assignmentsWork prioritization aligned to SLA and backlog requirementsValidate that all planning assumptions (volume, productivity rates, staffing levels) are realistic and achievable prior to shift startExecution Readiness & Pre-Shift AlignmentEnsure all operational inputs required for successful execution are in place, including: Labor availability and skill alignmentWork availability and release timingEquipment and space readinessLead structured pre-shift planning reviews with Operations leadershipIdentify potential constraints and risks prior to shift start and escalate or resolve as neededReal-Time Plan ManagementMonitor shift performance continuously against plan and make real-time adjustments to: Labor allocationWork sequencingResource deploymentReact quickly to unplanned events (volume swings, labor gaps, system issues) to maintain throughput and service levelsMinimize reactive firefighting by proactively managing flow and constraints throughout the shift4. Plan Adherence & Performance AccountabilityOwn shift-level plan vs. actual performance trackingMeasure and communicate: Volume attainmentLabor utilizationProductivity vs. standard (UPH)Document and categorize variances (e.g., labor, process, system, volume)Ensure all performance gaps are: Clearly understoodSupported with root causeEscalated with recommended corrective actionsLabor Efficiency & Cost ControlDrive efficient labor usage by: Eliminating idle timeOptimizing staffing levels during the shiftReducing unnecessary labor movement and reallocationSupport overtime control by adhering to planned labor levels and escalating risks earlyAlign shift execution with site-level labor and cost targetsCross-Functional Execution AlignmentPartner closely with: Operations Supervisors (execution and flow)ICQA / Quality (accuracy and inventory controls)Support functions (as needed) to resolve constraintsEnsure planning decisions align with operational priorities, quality expectations, and service commitmentsAct as the primary coordination point for execution-related decisions during the shift7.End-of-Shift Reporting & Continuous ImprovementComplete structured end-of-shift summaries, including: Plan vs. actual performanceLabor utilization outcomesKey issues and constraints encounteredProvide actionable insights to the Production Planning Manager to improve future planning accuracyIdentify repeat issues and support root cause elimination effortsContribute to continuous improvement initiatives by highlighting inefficiencies in planning and executionMeasures of SuccessSuccess in this role is demonstrated by:Daily and weekly productivity, quality, safety, and attendance targets are consistently met within the assigned area.Associates are trained, staffed, and deployed appropriately for planned and unplanned volume.Safety standards are followed, hazards are addressed promptly and required incident reporting is completed accurately and on time.Performance issues are identified early and addressed through timely coaching and documentation.Shifts are handed off with clear communication and minimal operational disruption.The department demonstrates stable performance with limited escalation required from management.Skills and Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience preferred.2+ years' experience in warehouse setting in a supervisor capacity.Ability to develop and deliver long and short-term plans as part of the overall strategy for achieving successful operational goals.Proficiency in resolving employee relations issues effectively before involving the Human Resources Manager.Strategic, business-oriented thinking coupled with firsthand operational/implementation experience and the ability to align processes and systems to support the organization's strategic objectives.Advance written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills as well as listening skills.Proficient with Microsoft office applications: Outlook, Word, Excel & PowerPoint.Possesses experience in 3PL, Retail & Wholesale Distribution/Reverse Logistics/E-Commerce.Demonstrates strong vendor relationships as part of startup or conversion initiatives.Physical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The associate will perform their duties in an office environment and/or walk in a warehouse environment. Associates in these positions frequently operate a computer, read, and write, and interact with others in person, over the phone, and via other devices. They move about within the office & warehouse to access file cabinets, documents, office machinery, and other equipment. The associate is also occasionally required to walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and either lift or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.

Created: 2026-05-13