Tool Shop Production Planner

Job-ID: 15417; Location(s): McPherson, KS 

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Tool Shop Production Planner is responsible for ensuring smooth operations in  the tool shop and managing the outsourcing of tooling to qualified vendors This role involves reviewing customer work requests and drawings, providing accurate quotes, and planning the efficient utilization of equipment and human resources utilizing the IKOffice and SAP systems. Required duties include scheduling, planning and expediting of work orders; providing reports and documentation to various departments; and forecasting, developing and maintaining accuracy of production schedule. This role is integral to the manufacturing process, and requirings strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills to ensure alignment between internal production needs and external vendor capabilities.

JOB DESCRIPTION DETAILS

Planning

• Schedule and plan tooling work orders, utilizing IKOffice and SAP to meet production demands; monitors status and ensures timely completion of orders; ensure production schedule is accurate and up to date. 
• Analyzes tooling specifications and capacity data and performs mathematical calculations to determine tool production processes.
• Review customer work requests and technical drawings for accuracy and feasibility.
• Collaborate with customers to clarify project requirements and specifications.
• Acquire quotes from vendors and make selection based on lead time, capabilities, and quality specifications.
• Schedule workload for each vendor according to established production sequences and lead times.

Reporting and Data Maintenance

• Prepare and review various reports generated by IKOffice; directs production schedule accordingly, including but not limited to:
• Back-order report which is an overview of manufacturing and back ordered materials and requirements.
• Priority lists which detail tools needed most urgently to ensure production requests are met.
• Bundling of production orders to ensure best price and we are producing correct quantity of materials to fulfill production demands.
• Provides reporting and documentation to various departments as required or requested.
• Monitors and reports issues throughout system for errors, oversights and problems including but not limited to unreleased orders, parts shortages, incorrect quantities, etc.; creates reports for production management and customers as needed.
• Develops and maintains accuracy of production schedule including but not limited to on-time delivery, cost, quality, planning information, and forecasting demand to ensure data is accurate and easy to understand.

Quoting and Estimation

• Generate accurate and timely quotes for internal customers based on project scope and material requirements.
• Utilize cost analysis tools and methods to ensure competitive and realistic pricing.
• Works closely with purchasing department to acquire raw material and third party services to complete production orders; utilizing SAP and IKOffice, prepares purchase orders and follow-up to ensure order is timely and efficient.

Vendor Management

• Track tooling projects from initiation to completion, ensuring on-time delivery.
• Monitor vendor performance to ensure adherence to quality and delivery expectations.
• Address and resolve any quality issues with vendors promptly.
• Analyze market and delivery conditions to determine material availability.

Process Improvements

• Analyze production workflows and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline processes and reduce waste.
• Maintain and improve key performance indicators, including on-time delivery and quality standards.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance operational efficiency and meet organizational goals.
   

Other

• Attends meetings as required or assigned.
• Writes standard operating procedures for related tasks.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

Special  Job Dimensions

This position may require occasional travel to vendor facilities and production sites. Most work is performed in an office setting with regular interactions with tool shop and other departments

Safety

• All employees are expected to comply with the safety rules of their respective department and position, however there are general safety guidelines that all employees are expected to comply with:
• Slips, Trips and Falls
• When walking, be aware of unlevel or elevated surfaces
• Keep aisles clear
• Use caution when walking on wet surfaces and wipe up spills
• Use the handrail on stairs
• Use only approved step stools and ladders.  Do not stand on chairs
• Walk, don’t run
• Report deficient conditions to the appropriate maintenance department
• Use caution when walking in parking lots and parking garage
• Good Housekeeping
• Always maintain a clean and uncluttered work environment
• Do not overload wastebaskets
• Safe Lifting
• Use caution and proper techniques when lifting heavy objects
• Ask for help
• Equipment
• Only use equipment that is in good repair
• Report any equipment hazards immediately to your manager

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Working knowledge of computer software including MRP, SAP, IKOffice, Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Lean knowledge and proven implementation of the concepts/principles of master scheduling and pull systems
• Strong technical background in tool shop operations or machining processes.
• Knowledge of kanban systems
• Excellent organizational skills
• Advanced mathematical and analytical skills
• Ability to understand and develop complex systems, comprehend many different parts and numbers
• Ability to interpret and do something with data, reports and metrics
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with all levels of the organization
• Ability to prioritize and resolve problems
• Ability to multi-task
• Ability to negotiate with suppliers where necessary
• Ability to perform with superior service, reflecting a positive company image while sustaining a positive attitude with those you interact with; always going above and beyond to help others out, regardless of their position or department.
• Ability to adhere to the highest standards of quality while continually performing at the highest possible level.

Education, Certification/License & Work Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, supply chain management, or related field required.
• OR a combination of:
• Associate’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, supply chain management, or related field.
• AND:
• 3-5 years in MRP controlling, supply chain management, or a similar role in manufacturing.
• 3-5 years experience as a production planner or similar role in a manufacturing or tool shop environment.
• 3-5 years experience in interpreting technical drawings and specifications.

Your contact person:

Christopher Welsh  -  Christopher.Welsh@viega.us - +1 (620) 798-9019