Senior Production Scheduler

About the Role:

We are seeking a highly skilled and demanding Senior Production Scheduler to lead complex scheduling operations across a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role requires expert-level proficiency in SAP and MES, strong analytical thinking, and the ability to drive efficiency while maintaining schedule accuracy and on-time delivery performance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

•  Develop, maintain, and optimize detailed production schedules using SAP PP and MES to meet customer demand and maximize resource utilization.
•  Evaluate forecasts, material availability, labor requirements, and equipment capacity to create accurate, executable production plans.
•  Lead daily scheduling meetings with cross-functional teams including Manufacturing, Procurement, Engineering, Quality, and Logistics.
•  Monitor shop-floor performance through MES, adjusting schedules proactively in response to machine downtime, material shortages, or priority shifts.
•  Release and manage production orders in SAP, ensuring master data accuracy, BOM integrity, and proper routing.
•  Identify bottlenecks, capacity constraints, and schedule risks; recommend mitigation strategies and corrective actions.
•  Provide regular updates to leadership on schedule adherence, production KPIs, and recovery plans for at-risk orders.
•  Champion continuous improvement efforts, using SAP/MES analytics to reduce waste, increase throughput, and improve scheduling precision.
•  Support S&OP processes with detailed capacity analysis, long-range planning insights, and data-driven recommendations.
•  Mentor junior schedulers and provide guidance on planning best practices and system utilization.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position is Manager for the production of designated plants.

QUALIFICATIONS

•  5+ years of experience in production scheduling, demand planning, or supply chain planning within a manufacturing environment.
•  Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, or similar).
•  Demonstrated ability to create, adjust, and optimize complex production schedules.
•  Solid knowledge of manufacturing processes, capacity planning, and lead-time management.
•  Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
•  Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams.
•  Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
•  Experience in continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, or process-optimization initiatives preferred.
•  High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and organizational skills.

Required Qualifications

•  5–7+ years of Production Scheduling or Planning experience in a manufacturing environment.
•  Advanced proficiency in SAP PP and enterprise MES platforms.
•  Strong understanding of material flow, shop-floor processes, capacity planning, and lean manufacturing principles.
•  Demonstrated ability to manage complex schedules and respond quickly to changing priorities.
•  Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
•  High attention to detail with a continuous improvement mindset.

Preferred Qualifications

•  Experience in [industry-specific manufacturing: automotive, aerospace, electronics, pharmaceuticals, etc.]
•  Certification in APICS CPIM or similar discipline.
•  Experience with KPI reporting, data analytics, and dashboard tools.

COMPUTER SKILLS
Possess intermediate knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and Outlook. Internet/Intranet experience preferred.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and interpret documents, such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure/training manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups (employees or customers).

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

•  Ability to apply mathematical concepts such as percentages, ratios, averages, lead-time calculations, and basic statistics.
•  Proficiency in analyzing numerical data to forecast demand, evaluate capacity, calculate production loads, and identify trends.
•  Ability to interpret charts, graphs, and performance metrics related to production planning and inventory management.
•  Strong Excel skills, including use of formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis tools.

REASONING ABILITY
Ability to understand the financial impact of decisions and to make decisions consistent with the goals of plant performance. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.