Production Scheduler

The Production Scheduler is responsible for developing, coordinating, and maintaining efficient production schedules that support timely delivery of finished goods while optimizing plant capacity, labor, inventory, and material availability. This role balances customer demand with operational capabilities, monitors production performance, and adjusts priorities in response to changing conditions. The Production Scheduler partners cross-functionally with production, maintenance, quality, procurement, customer service, and logistics to maintain schedule visibility, minimize disruption, and support reliable plant performance. Key Focus Areas Production Planning & Scheduling (65%) Develop, update, and maintain daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules based on customer demand, forecasts, inventory targets, material availability, labor, and capacity constraints. Translate business priorities and customer requirements into practical, executable production plans. Monitor production progress and schedule attainment daily, identify variances, and adjust schedules to address delays, material shortages, equipment downtime, quality issues, or changing demand. Optimize production sequencing to reduce changeovers, improve throughput, maximize operating efficiency, and support customer service expectations. Review capacity utilization and production constraints regularly and recommend short-term and long-term adjustments as needed. Maintain accurate scheduling and planning data in ERP/MRP and manufacturing systems, including D365, MES, Infor, or comparable platforms. Ensure planning parameters, scheduling inputs, and relevant master data are accurate and current. Cross-Functional Coordination & Schedule Communication (20%) Coordinate with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Procurement, Customer Service, and Logistics to confirm schedules are feasible and aligned with business priorities. Communicate schedule priorities, constraints, risks, and changes promptly to relevant stakeholders to minimize disruption and manage expectations. Partner with procurement and inventory teams to identify material risks and support timely availability of required raw materials and supplies. Support customer service and operations teams with realistic production timing, order status, and recovery plans when schedules change. Facilitate scheduling discussions and follow-up actions that promote accountability, alignment, and reliable execution. Systems, Analysis & Continuous Improvement (15%) Analyze schedule performance, capacity, inventory, and production data to identify trends, recurring constraints, and improvement opportunities. Leverage ERP, MRP, inventory, and reporting tools to improve planning visibility, scheduling accuracy, and decision-making. Participate in cross-functional initiatives that improve planning accuracy, reduce waste, strengthen inventory management, and enhance operational efficiency. Recommend and implement practical improvements to scheduling processes, planning tools, standard work, and communication methods. Support Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement efforts related to production flow, schedule attainment, and service performance. Key Attributes & Strengths Detail-oriented planner who can organize complex information and maintain accurate schedules in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Analytical decision-maker who uses data to evaluate constraints, establish priorities, and make timely schedule adjustments. Collaborative communicator who can build alignment across production, maintenance, quality, procurement, customer service, and logistics. Adaptable and calm under pressure, with the ability to manage competing priorities and respond effectively to changing conditions. Continuous improvement mindset focused on flow, efficiency, inventory, customer service, and reliable execution. Strong sense of ownership and follow-through, with the ability to anticipate risks and communicate them early. Qualifications Associate or bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, operations, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience will be considered. Two or more years of experience in production planning, production scheduling, procurement, inventory, or supply chain preferred. Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel. Demonstrated ability to interpret production, inventory, capacity, and demand data and make informed decisions. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic manufacturing environment. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to work on-site in Appleton, Wisconsin, with a typical Monday through Friday schedule between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Ability to travel up to 5% as needed. Preferred Qualifications Experience scheduling production in a manufacturing environment with multiple products, resources, and operating constraints. Experience with D365, MES, Infor, or comparable ERP, MRP, and manufacturing systems. Working knowledge of capacity planning, inventory management, demand planning, and production sequencing. Familiarity with Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or structured continuous improvement methods. Advanced Excel skills and experience developing or using planning and performance reports.