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Job Title: Production Planner
Location: Danvers, MA
Commitment: Full-Time Non-Exempt
Workplace Summary:
Backer Hotwatt, Inc. was established in 1952 and is a leader in manufacturing resistance heating elements. Here at Backer Hotwatt, Inc., we tackle projects others won't. Our world-class solutions add value, make integration easy, and help our customers solve complex thermal application challenges.
The Production Planner is responsible for coordinating production planning activities to ensure efficient manufacturing operations, balanced capacity utilization, and on-time delivery to customers. This role serves as a key link between demand planning, materials planning, and production teams, translating customer demand into executable production schedules. The Production Planner plays a critical role in maintaining production flow, aligning manufacturing capacity with demand, and supporting operational goals.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Production Planning & Scheduling
• Translate Data Center demand forecasts and customer orders into detailed production schedules using MRP systems. High Mix, Low Volume (HMLV).
• Develop and maintain daily, weekly, and monthly production plans to meet delivery commitments.
• Balance production capacity, labor availability, and material supply to ensure efficient manufacturing operations.
• Monitor work order progress and adjust schedules in response to production constraints, machine downtime, or priority changes.
• Conduct root cause analysis for production delays, schedule variances, and missed delivery commitments.
2. Manufacturing Coordination
• Coordinate closely with production supervisors to ensure alignment between planned schedules and shop floor execution.
• Communicate schedule priorities and updates to production teams to support efficient workflow.
• Collaborate with the procurement and materials teams to ensure materials are available to support production schedules.
• Support resolution of production constraints, bottlenecks, and capacity limitations.
• Assist in managing engineering changes and their impact on production schedules.
3. Capacity & Resource Planning
• Analyze production capacity across work centers, equipment, and labor to ensure achievable schedules.
• Identify potential capacity constraints and recommend adjustments to production plans or resource allocation.
• Support long-term capacity planning based on forecasted demand.
• Monitor production performance metrics such as schedule adherence, throughput, and utilization.
4. Systems, Reporting & Data Management
• Maintain accurate ERP/MRP data including lead times, routing information, work center capacity, and planning parameters.
• Utilize ERP systems such as PK and Sidekick to manage production planning and scheduling activities.
• Generate and analyze reports related to production schedules, order status, capacity utilization, and delivery performance.
• Provide visibility into schedule risks, production delays, and operational performance through clear reporting.
5. Continuous Improvement & Operational Support
• Identify opportunities to improve production planning and scheduling processes.
• Support initiatives that improve production flow, reduce cycle times, and enhance manufacturing efficiency.
• Collaborate with production, procurement, engineering, and planning teams to improve overall operational performance.
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives that drive cost reduction, throughput improvement, and process optimizati
What We Are Looking For
Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Management, Operations, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in production planning, manufacturing scheduling, or supply chain within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical and forecasting skills with the ability to interpret demand, capacity, and production data (Excel).
• Strong understanding of MRP systems, BOM structures, and production planning principles.
• Experience supporting manufacturing operations and coordinating production schedules.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with multiple product lines preferred.
What We Have To Offer:
We offer benefit packages that may include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, Paid Time Off (including your birthday), Paid Holidays, and 401(k).
Additional Duties You Should Understand:
Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, obligations, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.
Backer Hotwatt, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status, protected genetic information, political affiliation, or any other characteristics protected by local laws, regulations, or ordinances.
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