JOB OVERVIEW
Shasta Beverages is seeking a highly organized and results-driven Production Planner to manage production planning, scheduling, inventory management, and material coordination activities that support the efficient replenishment of finished goods across the manufacturing network. This position is responsible for developing and maintaining production schedules, balancing customer demand with manufacturing capacity, minimizing inventory risk, and ensuring raw materials and packaging components are available to support production requirements. The Production Planner works closely with Operations, Procurement, Customer Service, Warehouse, Sales, and Supply Chain teams to drive service levels, optimize inventory, and maximize manufacturing efficiency while supporting customer commitments and business objectives.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Production Planning & Scheduling
- Develop, maintain, and communicate daily, weekly, and long-range production schedules.
- Determine production priorities based on customer demand, forecasts, inventory levels, production capacity, and material availability.
- Review and balance production requirements across manufacturing lines and facilities.
- Schedule products to maximize line efficiency while minimizing changeovers and downtime.
- Monitor schedule adherence and adjust production plans as necessary to address changing business conditions.
- Evaluate production constraints and recommend scheduling alternatives to meet customer requirements.
- Manage production sequencing to support inventory targets and customer service expectations.
- Participate in daily production meetings and communicate schedule priorities, risks, and changes. Inventory Management
- Monitor finished goods inventory and Days on Hand (DOH) levels to prevent excess inventory and stock-outs.
- Review inventory positions and develop replenishment plans aligned with customer demand and company inventory objectives.
- Identify aging and slow-moving inventory risks and develop action plans to minimize write-offs and obsolescence.
- Maintain and monitor Inventory Disposition Reports (IDRs) and related inventory risk management processes.
- Coordinate stock transfers and inventory balancing activities across manufacturing facilities when applicable.
- Support monthly, quarterly, and year-end inventory reconciliation activities. Materials & Supply Coordination
- Review material requirements and collaborate with Procurement to ensure timely availability of: o Raw materials o Packaging materials o Labels o Pallets o Concentrates o Production supplies
- Monitor material shortages and capacity constraints and proactively communicate risks.
- Coordinate with suppliers and internal departments to resolve material-related issues.
- Assist in developing contingency plans to minimize production disruptions. Analysis & Reporting
- Monitor production performance and compare actual production against scheduled output.
- Analyze schedule attainment, capacity utilization, inventory levels, service levels, and production trends.
- Prepare and distribute production planning, inventory, and performance reports.
- Utilize forecasting and historical demand data to support planning decisions.
- Investigate production schedule variances and recommend corrective actions. Cross-Functional Coordination
- Work closely with Operations, Customer Service, Sales, Procurement, Quality, and Warehouse teams to ensure accurate execution of production schedules.
- Respond to inquiries regarding production schedules, inventory availability, and order status.
- Support new product launches, promotional activities, and customer-specific production requirements.
- Communicate customer demand changes and operational constraints effectively across departments. Continuous Improvement
- Identify and implement process improvements related to production planning, inventory management, and supply chain performance.
- Assist in the development of planning tools, reporting processes, and scheduling best practices.
- Participate in initiatives focused on reducing inventory, improving service levels, and increasing operational efficiency.
- Support standardization and continuous improvement efforts throughout the supply chain organization. Other Responsibilities
- Maintain planning data integrity within ERP/MRP systems.
- Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
- Contribute to team goals and departmental objectives.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common information, reports, and other documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or company representatives. Ability to effectively present information to management.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, sit, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use their hands to handle and turn to access files and office equipment. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Field positions involve exposure to unfamiliar conditions where Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn. These conditions may include, but are not limited to, manufacturing and warehouse plants and other venues as directed by a supervisor. Noise levels are usually moderate but increase significantly in warehouse and manufacturing plants. Occasional travel between company facilities may be required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
- High School Diploma/GED required. Some college preferred.
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in production scheduling.
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft business applications and various reporting software.
- Ability and willingness to work a flexible Full-Time schedule that may include weekends and holidays.
- Fluent in oral and written communication in English.
- Excellent communication skills and telephone etiquette.
- Exceptional Attention to Detail
- Exceptional interpersonal communication skills.
- APICS/ASCM CPIM certification or working knowledge of production and inventory management principles.
- Experience within beverage, food, or consumer packaged goods manufacturing.
- Knowledge of demand planning and forecasting processes.
- Experience managing inventory targets, Days on Hand (DOH), and inventory disposition activities.
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems and production planning software.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills preferred, including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and data analysis.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong attention to detail and follow-through.
- Must be able to provide own transportation to various locations in organizational service areas, as required by duties.
Shasta Beverages, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender, genetics, gender identity, disabled veterans, or sexual orientation.