Dairy Manufacturing Planner

Land O'Lakes • Carlisle, PA

21h

About The Position

The Butter Planner/Purchaser plays a critical role in ensuring smooth and efficient butter production operations. Reporting directly to the Operations Manager, this position bridges procurement, production planning, inventory management, and cross-departmental communication. The role is responsible for maintaining product quality, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting strategic initiatives that contribute to overall business success.

Requirements

• Strategic Planning: Ability to anticipate needs, plan resources, and align with business objectives.
• Decision-Making: Confidently make informed decisions under pressure.
• Deadline Management: Consistently meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
• Detail Orientation: High attention to detail in data entry, reporting, and compliance tasks.
• Results Orientation: Focused on achieving outcomes and driving continuous improvement.
• Change Management: Support and drive change initiatives within the department.
• Project Management: Lead or contribute to project teams, manage timelines, and deliver results.
• Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, ERP systems, and production planning software.
• High school diploma
• 2+ years in manufacturing inventory management, production planning or related field.
• Systems background in MRP/DRP planning tools or customer order management systems.
• Able to lift 50 lbs. (on occasion)
• Performing duties while wearing personal protective equipment

Nice To Haves

• Experience in high-speed manufacturing environments.
• Background in continuous improvement (LEAN, Six Sigma Greenbelt certification preferred).
• Demonstrated responsibility for departmental costs and budget management.

Responsibilities

• Production Planning & Scheduling Develop, maintain, and communicate daily and weekly butter production schedules aligned with customer demand, inventory targets, and corporate objectives.
• Translate forecasts and customer orders into short- and long-term production plans while balancing capacity, labor, materials, and equipment constraints.
• Monitor schedule adherence, track KPIs (attainment, utilization, changeover efficiency), and adjust plans to address disruptions and improve performance.
• Inventory & Materials Management Monitor butter, raw material, packaging, wrap, and remelt inventory levels to prevent shortages and overages.
• Conduct routine packaging quality and inventory checks; coordinate with procurement and production to resolve issues and maintain supply continuity.
• Support cream supply strategy planning to align with production requirements.
• Order & System Management Manage butter orders, confirm details, communicate updates, and accurately enter production work orders into the system.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Reporting Participate in daily production and maintenance meetings to support operational alignment.
• Partner with operations, supply chain, quality, maintenance, logistics, and plant leadership to ensure seamless execution.
• Provide corporate planning updates, maintain USDA regulatory documentation, and serve as backup for powder planning during PTO.
• Maintain clear communication and adapt proactively to changing demand and operational conditions.

Benefits

• Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food.
• We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.
• We provide a broad portfolio of benefits to keep you and your family at your best.
• Land O'Lakes is Where Your Future Takes Root.
• Land O’Lakes and our global entities support diversity in employment practices.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED