Production Planning & MES Coordinator

Description The Production Planning & MES Coordinator supports daily Manufacturing Execution System (MES) activities while developing the knowledge and skills needed to provide backup support for the Plant Scheduler. The position maintains accurate production information, supports reporting and production orders, assists with scheduling activities, and works across departments to resolve data and production issues. This position is designed as a developmental and succession role for the Plant Scheduler position. Working Conditions Working conditions are primarily within a professional office environment; however, regular infield investigation in manufacturing, warehouse, yard, and shipping areas is required. Exposure to dust, noise, rain, and hot or cold temperatures should be expected. Required personal protective equipment (PPE) and all safety procedures must be followed. Early morning, off-shift, or occasional work outside normal business hours may be required to support production or system needs. 1. Qualifications 1.1 High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, Engineering, Information Systems, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred. 1.2 One to three years of experience in manufacturing, MES, production operations, planning, inventory control, logistics, or a related environment preferred. Relevant education or internship experience may be considered. 1.3 Experience with MES, SAP, ERP, MRP, production systems, or similar manufacturing technology preferred. Ability to learn new systems is required. 1.4 Basic to intermediate Microsoft Excel skills, including sorting, filtering, formulas, reporting, and data analysis. PivotTables, lookups, Power BI, or similar tools are a plus. 1.5 Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify and resolve discrepancies in production and system data. 1.6 Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to manage changing priorities and work across departments. 1.7 Ability to work independently, troubleshoot routine issues, and escalate problems when necessary. 1.8 Interest in developing a career in production planning, scheduling, manufacturing systems, or operations. 2. Responsibilities 2.1 Support the daily operation and administration of the MES system in coordination with the MES Technicians and Planning team. 2.2 Monitor MES information and production reports for accuracy, timeliness, and consistency with plant operations. 2.3 Research and assist with correcting missing, inaccurate, or inconsistent MES and production data. 2.4 Maintain applicable MES master data, including users, shifts, production information, and other system requirements. 2.5 Assist with production order and process order activities in MES, SAP, and other applicable systems. 2.6 Support system testing, implementations, reporting, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement activities. 2.7 Communicate with supervisors, managers, and other departments regarding MES data, production status, and system issues. 2.8 Work with the Plant Scheduler to learn production planning and scheduling processes. 2.9 Assist with maintaining daily and weekly production schedules and communicating schedule changes. 2.10 Review production status, inventory, material availability, capacity, work-in-process, quality holds, and equipment conditions that may affect the schedule. 2.11 Assist with creating, updating, monitoring, and closing production orders. 2.12 Develop knowledge of production sequencing, capacity planning, lead times, routings, work centers, and production priorities. 2.13 Identify scheduling constraints and communicate potential delays or disruptions to the Plant Scheduler. 2.14 Provide backup support for the Plant Scheduler during planned or unplanned absences as proficiency is demonstrated. 2.15 Work with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Procurement, Warehouse, Logistics, and Planning to resolve data, material, production, and scheduling issues. 2.16 Support production, scheduling, inventory, and MES reporting and analysis. 2.17 Participate in planning, production, and MES meetings and support special projects or process improvements. 2.18 Perform other duties as assigned. 3. Authority and Obligation 3.1 Responsible for maintaining accurate and timely MES and production information within applicable systems. 3.2 Responsible for identifying and communicating issues that may affect production reporting, inventory, scheduling, or operational decisions. 3.3 Has the authority to escalate MES, production data, material, or scheduling issues to the MES Team Lead, Plant Scheduler, Planning Supervisor, or appropriate department leader. 3.4 May recommend corrections to production information based on verified data and established procedures. 3.5 Provides backup support to the Plant Scheduler but may not make major production schedule changes outside the established planning process unless delegated by the Plant Scheduler or Planning Supervisor. 3.6 Reports to the Planning Supervisor and works closely with the MES Technicians, MES Team Lead, and Plant Scheduler.