Scheduler Lead

Scheduler Lead Job Description

1. PURPOSE

The purpose of the Lead Production Scheduler position is to oversee, coordinate, and ensure the accuracy of production scheduling activities across their shift at Primex Farms. The Lead Scheduler plays a critical supervisory role in guaranteeing that products assigned to orders meet all Food Safety Regulations including FSMA (2010), HACCP, GMP, GMA Safe Nut Handling Guide, and SQF requirements.

This position supports operational efficiency by directing the scheduling team, maintaining alignment with plant capacity, monitoring product inventories, reviewing production trends, coordinating with cross-functional departments, and ensuring compliance with food safety and quality expectations.

The Lead Scheduler serves as the primary liaison between Production, QA, USDA/DFA, Traders, Logistics, and Management, while providing coaching, auditing the work of Schedulers, and ensuring timely and accurate execution of all scheduling processes.

2. SCOPE

This Job Description applies to the Lead Production Scheduler, who oversees daily scheduling operations, leads the scheduling team, ensures cross-shift continuity, and coordinates scheduling decisions that impact on all production lines and departments.

3. GLOSSARY / DEFINITIONS

4. REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

• GMA Safe Nut Handling Guide
• Food Safety Modernization Act of 2010 (FSMA)
• SQF Code
• Primex SOPs related to scheduling, food safety, and inventory

5. RESPONSIBILITIES

5.1 Plant Manager

• Enforces and approves scheduling procedures
• Oversee organizational decisions impacting scheduling and production

5.2 Quality Manager

• Ensures compliance with food safety and labeling requirements

5.3 Managers

• Uphold policy
• Train employees

5.4 Staff & Schedulers

• Comply with procedures
• Report deviations

6. FREQUENCY OF USE

• Daily operations
• Annual and biannual reviews of scheduling procedures

7. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

7.1 Lead Production Scheduler

The Lead Production Scheduler is responsible for the following:

Leadership & Team Oversight

7.1.1. Leads, guides, and mentors all Production Scheduling team members across their shifts.
 7.1.2. Ensures coverage for all scheduling duties, including managing shift rotations, vacations, and backup support.
 7.1.3. Provides daily direction, expectations, and corrective coaching to schedulers.
 7.1.4. Audits scheduler work for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with Primex policies.
 7.1.5. Facilitates cross-shift communication by reviewing and approving pass-downs and shift reports.

Production Scheduling & Coordination

7.1.6. Reviews sales orders to determine if production is feasible based on lot availability, size distribution, and food safety standards.
 7.1.7. Approves or rejects orders based on feasibility and compliance with USDA, DFA, and Primex requirements.
 7.1.8. Ensures accurate assignment of lots to orders while meeting customer specifications including:

• Aflatoxin levels
• Microbiological criteria
• USDA & Primex grades
• Sodium/salt requirements
• Allergen labeling
• Shelf-life requirements

7.1.9. Reviews and validates label creation daily; verifies label accuracy and completeness.

Systems & Data Management

7.1.10. Oversees NAV inventory workflows; ensures all Schedulers follow required procedures.
 7.1.11. Approves creation of license plates and verifies lot assignments.
 7.1.12. Ensures corrections to lot assignments or NAV errors are documented and escalated.

Communication & Cross-Functional Support

7.1.13. Acts as the main point of contact between Production, Traders, USDA/DFA, Logistics, and QA.
 7.1.14. Communicates changes to production plans, order delays, special requests, and call-offs to all relevant departments.
 7.1.15. Provides clear directions to PFL staff regarding order priorities, lot requirements, and special instructions.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

7.1.16. Ensures all scheduling activities meet Primex Food Safety requirements and regulatory standards.
 7.1.17. Immediately reports and documents any deviations, unsafe conditions, or potential food safety risks.
 7.1.18. Conducts monthly and annual physical inventory counts with Production & Inventory Control teams.

Continuous Improvement

7.1.19. Identifies workflow inefficiencies, proposes improvements, and helps implement process enhancements.
 7.1.20. Develops and maintains training materials for Schedulers.
 7.1.21. Supports management in auditing scheduling and production documentation.

Other Duties

7.1.22. Performs additional responsibilities as assigned by Management.

8. PREREQUISITES

8.1.1. Strong leadership, communication, and coaching skills.
 8.1.2. Ability to make decisions independently and guide others.
 8.1.3. Fully proficient in NAV, inventory systems, and production workflows.
 8.1.4. Must be able to interpret complex instructions, diagrams, schedules, and data sets.
 8.1.5. Must be able to prioritize multiple tasks under pressure with minimal supervision.
 8.1.6. Basic math and analytical skills required.
 8.1.7. Ability to lift 50 lbs.
 8.1.8. Any additional projects assigned by Management.

9. ADA CHECKLIST

10. SIGNATURES

Supervisor Signature: ____________________________ Date: _______________
 Manager Signature: _____________________________ Date: _______________