SUMMARY: The Planning and Scheduling Associate is responsible for coordinating and maintaining production schedules to ensure efficient flow of materials and work through manufacturing. This role tracks progress from raw material receipt through production to shipment, ensuring alignment across departments while supporting on-time delivery, efficient workflow, and continuous improvement initiatives.
CORE VALUES
All employees are expected to demonstrate the Company’s Core Values through daily actions, decision-making, and interactions:
- Client Oriented – Focus on developing long-term relationships, products, and services that meet client needs.
- Open – Communicate honestly and transparently about capabilities, challenges, and solutions.
- Nimble – Think critically, respond quickly, and adapt effectively to changing priorities and situations.
- Necessary – Recognize that every role contributes to organizational success and take ownership of outcomes.
- Engineering Mindset – Approach challenges by developing practical, thoughtful solutions regardless of role.
- Continuous Improvement – Actively seek opportunities to improve processes, performance, and personal development.
- Teamwork – Collaborate effectively with coworkers, leadership, vendors, and clients to achieve shared goals.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Monitor and maintain production schedules to ensure efficient workflow and on-time completion of orders
- Follow progress of jobs through manufacturing, processing, and related operations from raw material receipt to shipment or storage of finished goods
- Track and follow up on deliveries, shortages, tooling issues, and material availability
- Prioritize and adjust schedules based on expedites, changes, and shifting production needs
- Coordinate with supervisors to identify and resolve production delays or constraints
- Act as a liaison between engineering, supply chain, sales, production, and other departments to ensure alignment and communication
- Monitor work-in-process (WIP) and ensure proper flow across production cells
- Support planning activities by analyzing demand, capacity, and material availability
- Maintain accurate scheduling data and records within ERP and reporting systems
- Communicate schedule updates, risks, and changes to relevant stakeholders
- Identify opportunities to improve workflow and production efficiency and collaborate across departments on implementation
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Strong organizational and planning skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Understanding of production flow, scheduling, and inventory management principles
- Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Office tools
- Effective communication and coordination across departments
KEY COMPETENCIES:
- Customer/Client Focus
- Accountability and Ownership
- Collaboration and Teamwork
- Adaptability and Agility
- Continuous Improvement Mindset
- Integrity and Transparency
- Solution-Oriented Thinking
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Operations, Business, or related field preferred
- 2–5 years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or manufacturing environment
- Experience with ERP systems and production scheduling tools preferred
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:
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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Primarily office-based work
- Frequent movement between office and production floor
- Minimal lifting requirements
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Office and manufacturing/production environment
- Exposure to moderate noise levels
- Regular interaction with production teams and cross-functional departments
Skills Required
- 2-5 years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or a manufacturing environment
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, operations, business, or a related field
- Experience with ERP systems and production scheduling tools
- Understanding of production flow, scheduling, and inventory management principles
- Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Office tools
- Strong organizational, planning, analytical, problem-solving, communication, and coordination skills
What We Do
Douglas Electrical Components designs custom hermetic interconnect and sealing solutions, including sealed connectors, wire and cable feedthroughs, pin headers, and electronics encapsulation. Its fiber-optic, signal, and power products are built for demanding applications such as gloveboxes, medical equipment, semiconductor manufacturing, space simulation, military use, vacuum systems, electrical distribution, and hazardous locations. The company helps customers hermetically seal selected connectors, cables, wires, or fiber within required bulkheads and fittings.
