Production Planner

Working at Watlow

Watlow is a global technology and manufacturing leader who provides world class engineering expertise through innovative thermal products and systems, enabling our customers to thrive. We are making a positive impact every day as our solutions enrich the lives of people everywhere. We have been providing breakthrough thermal solutions for over 100 years! Our corporate values guide us uncompromisingly to always do the right thing, continually learn and improve, respect everyone, and lead with service and humility.

At Watlow's Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Columbia, Missouri, we combine precision manufacturing with forward-thinking innovation. Part of a global thermal solutions leader founded in 1922, our Columbia facility is a critical hub for high-performance manufacturing, engineering, and operational excellence.

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We are hiring a:  Production Planner

Columbia, Missouri

The Production Planner is responsible for developing and maintaining production schedules that balance customer demand and manufacturing capacity. This individual will also ensure optimal inventory and material availability through purchase order placement and communication with external suppliers. This role partners with Manufacturing, Customer Service, Engineering, and Supply Chain to ensure on-time delivery while optimizing efficiency and supporting operational excellence.

What you'll do:

• Production scheduling: Develop and maintain production schedules that balance customer demand and manufacturing capacity, reviewing forecasts, inventory, and material availability to build achievable production plans.
• Schedule attainment & prioritization: Monitor schedule attainment and adjust priorities as business needs change to keep production aligned with demand.
• Material & purchasing coordination: Coordinate with Purchasing to ensure material availability, and place purchase orders for raw components to support the production plan.
• Cross-functional problem solving: Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Customer Service, and Quality to resolve production constraints and keep orders on track.
• Systems & data management: Maintain planning data within ERP/MRP systems to ensure accurate, real-time visibility into schedules and materials.
• Performance & KPI tracking: Analyze KPIs including on-time delivery, inventory, and schedule adherence to drive continuous improvement.
• Communication & expediting: Facilitate clear communication and support the expedite process with both internal customers and external suppliers.
• Continuous improvement: Support Lean and continuous improvement initiatives across the planning and scheduling process.

What you'll need to succeed?

• Associate degree preferred, or equivalent experience
• 3-5 years of experience in Planning, Supply Chain, Purchasing, or Manufacturing preferred
• ERP/MRP systems experience required
• Advanced Excel skills
• Strong analytical problem-solving and cross-functional communication skills
• Customer-focused mindset

Preferred qualifications:

• Oracle ERP experience
• Lean experience or certification

Benefits: The Watlow Total Compensation Plan

The health, well-being and financial stability of you and your family is a high priority to us.The Watlow Total Rewards Plan includes competitive compensation and a full range of life and career enhancing benefits:

• Annual Incentive Program 
• 401(k) plan that includes a company match on your contribution and an annual company contribution that is tied to company performance
• Wellness incentives
• Employee Personal Assistance Program
• Dental, medical, vision and short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Paid holidays, personal time, and vacation
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement

Diversity & Inclusion

We proactively embrace diversity in all its dimensions across our company and cultivate a culture of inclusion and forward thinking that respects and reflects each team member’s individual strengths, views, and experiences. Watlow takes pride in being an inclusive equal opportunity employer and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Please let us know confidentially if you need or require any special accommodations to participate in our recruiting process by emailing us at accommodations@Watlow.com.