Production Planner

Tulkoff Foods is a family owned manufacturer known for bold flavors, high quality ingredients, and a commitment to operational excellence. With production facilities in Baltimore, Maryland and Cincinnati, Ohio, we supply foodservice, industrial, retail, and private label customers nationwide. As we continue to grow, we’re seeking a Production Planner who thrives in a fast paced, collaborative manufacturing environment.

Position Summary

The Production Planner is responsible for developing, coordinating, and executing production schedules across both Tulkoff Foods manufacturing sites. This role ensures that customer demand, inventory targets, labor capacity, and material availability are aligned to support efficient operations and on time delivery. The planner will work closely with Operations, Procurement, Quality, Maintenance, and Customer Service to keep production running smoothly at both facilities.

This position may be based at either location, with periodic travel between sites.

Key Responsibilities

Production Planning & Scheduling

• Develop and maintain weekly and daily production schedules for the Baltimore and Cincinnati facilities.
• Balance customer demand, production capacity, labor availability, and inventory levels.
• Adjust schedules proactively in response to equipment downtime, material shortages, or shifting priorities.
• Partner with plant leadership to ensure schedule feasibility and alignment with operational goals.

Inventory & Materials Coordination

• Monitor raw material and packaging inventory to ensure availability for scheduled production.
• Collaborate with Procurement to address shortages, forecast needs, and optimize purchasing.
• Maintain finished goods inventory targets to support customer service levels and minimize stockouts.

Cross Functional Communication

• Act as the central communication point between Operations, Procurement, Quality, and Customer Service.
• Communicate schedule changes, risks, and priorities clearly and promptly.
• Participate in daily production meetings and weekly S&OP or demand planning reviews.

Data, Systems & Reporting

• Maintain accurate data in ERP/MRP systems, including production orders, BOMs, and lead times.
• Track schedule adherence, production performance, and inventory accuracy.
• Analyze trends to identify opportunities for efficiency, waste reduction, and improved planning accuracy.

Continuous Improvement

• Support initiatives to improve planning processes, capacity utilization, and throughput.
• Contribute to standard work development and documentation for planning workflows.
• Assist in evaluating new equipment, processes, or product launches from a planning perspective.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• 2 to 5 years of production planning or scheduling experience in a manufacturing environment (food manufacturing preferred).
• Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems and production workflows.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast paced environment.
• Proficiency in Excel and data analysis.

Preferred

• Experience in food processing, CPG, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with SQF, HACCP, or other food safety programs.
• APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP) or similar credential.
• Multi site planning experience.

Work Environment

• Office based role with regular time spent on the production floor.
• Occasional travel between Maryland and Ohio facilities (approximately 10 to 20%).
• Fast paced, team oriented environment with a strong focus on safety and quality.