Production Scheduler

Job Summary:

The Production Scheduler is responsible for planning the work of the production department, determining production requirements, and releasing and sequencing batch orders. Thorough production scheduling supports the organization by driving an efficient use of resources, reducing manufacturing cost, and meeting our customer requirements.

This position coordinates with purchasing/material planning to have packaging and raw materials available for production. Provides analysis of production requirements using a combination of excel processes, Oracle information and Oracle ASCP planning tools, as defined by the site. Maintains planning data including forecasts, item attributes, and the like.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Prepare weekly production schedule which meets customer demand, maximizes plant production efficiency, and minimizes inventory.
• Prepares information packages for the production floor when information is not available through the ERP system.
• Assists in maintaining planning data in Excel or, when applicable, in Oracle Advanced Supply Chain Planning module. Maintains item master planning attributes and resource run rates.
• Collaborates with planning to establish safety stock levels, determine optimal production run sizes and change-over sequences, and adheres to defined lead times for products supplied from responsible locations.
• Participates in establishing production run strategy/strategies to support demand patterns, product profile, and plant capability.
• Participates in a weekly review of the Master Production Schedule, analyzing released batch orders, planned orders and capacity loading to ensure schedules and support production execution and data flows.
• Review and measure daily and weekly production attainment and inventory availability working, with Plant Production and Planning.
• Creates and maintain reports for purchasing and planning analysis as needed.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and 1-3 related experience or a combination of education and 3-5 years of relevant work-related experience in a similar role.
• Strong attention to detail is critical to the success of this role.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Excel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong communication skills, both written and oral.
• The ability to adapt and be flexible to changing situations.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• The ability to deal with conflict and to prioritize.
• An ability to prioritize customers.
• Effective presentation skills and an ability to respond to questions in an effective and efficient manner.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Excel, are required.
• High detail orientation is critical to success in this role.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal, are necessary to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers and co-workers.
• Candidates should be flexible and able to quickly adjust as the situation changes.
• High customer focus, strong problem-solving skills, and ability to set priorities is crucial.
• Must be comfortable dealing with conflicting priorities.

Additional Considerations:

• Travel Expectation:  Up to 5%.
• Location: This position will be at our Corporate Office in Eden Prairie, MN or our SunOpta Plant in Midlothian, TX.
• Relocation or international remote working arrangements (outside of the US) will not be considered.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• Approximately 90% of the work for this role is performed in an office environment; 10% of this position is done off-site including distribution centers, warehouse operations, and/or transportations centers.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.