Production Planner & ERP Specialist

Albany International Corporation•Homer, NY

74d•$70,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly organized and diligent self-starter to join our industrial extrusion plant as a Production Planning and ERP Specialist. This role is pivotal in managing customer orders for highly technical products, optimizing production schedules, handling costing analyses, and leveraging enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems-preferably SAP-to streamline operations. The ideal candidate is a self-taught problem-solver with strong data analysis skills, low-code programming abilities, and a passion for automating business processes to enhance efficiency in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Requirements

3+ years in a manufacturing or production planning role, ideally in an industrial setting like extrusion or similar processes; proven track record in handling technical customer orders and costing.
Superior proficiency in ERP systems, with hands-on experience in SAP (or similar platforms like Oracle or Microsoft Dynamics).
Strong data analysis capabilities using tools like Excel, SQL, or ERP-integrated analytics.
Low-code programming experience (e.g., with platforms like Microsoft Power Automate, or similar) to automate workflows.
Exceptionally organized and detail-oriented, with a diligent work ethic and the ability to self-teach new technologies or processes. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and time-management skills.
Ability to thrive in a dynamic plant environment, with flexibility for occasional shift work or on-call support.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience in manufacturing or operations will be considered.
Familiarity with industrial extrusion processes is a plus.

Responsibilities

Customer Order Management: Receive, process, and track customer orders for complex, highly technical products, ensuring accurate specifications, timelines, and communication with clients to meet their requirements.
Production Scheduling: Develop and maintain detailed production schedules using ERP tools to optimize plant resources, minimize downtime, and align with demand forecasts, while adapting to real-time changes in orders or material availability.
Costing and Financial Analysis: Calculate product costs, including materials, labor, and overhead, using ERP data to provide accurate quotes, monitor variances, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
ERP System Mastery: Utilize advanced ERP software (with a strong preference for SAP) to integrate order processing, inventory management, production planning, and reporting; troubleshoot issues and customize workflows as needed.
Data Analysis and Reporting: Analyze production data, inventory levels, and performance metrics to generate insights, forecast trends, and support decision-making for operational improvements.
Process Automation: Identify opportunities to automate repetitive business processes through low-code programming tools (e.g., integrating scripts or workflows in ERP systems), reducing manual efforts and increasing accuracy.
Procurement: Manage procurement of direct and indirect products which consist of vendor relationships, purchase order creation/management and subcontracting initiatives with vendors. Negotiate contracts for existing indirect materials and seek to acquire new vendors based on demand and price. Settle purchase variances, payment terms and overdue processes working with Corporate Accounting
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with sales, engineering, procurement, and production teams to ensure seamless order fulfillment, resolve bottlenecks, and maintain high standards of quality and safety in the extrusion process.
Continuous Improvement: Proactively seek ways to enhance systems and processes, drawing on self-taught knowledge to implement best practices and stay ahead of industry trends.