Production Planner (Sanitaryware)

TOTO USA, Inc.•Morrow, GA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Production Planner is a critical member of the Product Planning & Control team who develops, executes, and maintains the Master Production Schedule (MPS) for TOTO’s ceramic‑based sanitary‑ware factory. The role aligns production plans with sales forecasts, confirmed customer orders, and raw‑material availability while managing the unique constraints of drying, kiln firing, and glazing processes. The planner uses advanced analytical and ERP skills to optimize resource utilization, control manufacturing costs, and ensure on‑time delivery of TOTO’s world‑class products.

Requirements

Analytical Rigor: Strong quantitative problem‑solving ability; adept at handling complex variables and interdependencies.
ERP/MRP Proficiency: Expert use of ERP (preferably SAP PP) for planning, scheduling, and inventory control.
Advanced Excel: Skilled in pivot tables, complex formulas, and data modeling for forecasting and reporting.
Lean Manufacturing Knowledge: Ability to identify and eliminate waste, improve flow, and reduce cycle times.
Communication: Excellent written and verbal skills; capable of translating technical data into clear, actionable information for diverse audiences.
Organizational Excellence: Highly detail‑oriented, capable of managing multiple projects and priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
Adaptability: Resilient and flexible when faced with supply‑chain disruptions or sudden demand shifts.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Logistics, or a related technical field.
Experience: 3–5 years of production planning experience in a discrete manufacturing environment; direct experience planning sanitary‑ware or high‑volume ceramics manufacturing is required.
Technical Expertise: Demonstrated experience with SAP Production Planning (PP) module is a significant advantage.

Nice To Haves

Certifications (preferred): APICS CPIM, CSCP, or equivalent.

Responsibilities

Master Scheduling – Create and manage the detailed MPS and shop‑floor schedules, converting forecasts and firm orders into feasible production plans.
Constraint Management – Incorporate sanitary‑ware specific constraints (clay handling, drying periods, kiln capacity, quality‑hold times) into the schedule.
Capacity Analysis – Perform labor, equipment, and critical‑resource capacity planning; identify bottlenecks and work with Operations to develop mitigation or recovery actions.
Schedule Adherence – Track daily production performance, pinpoint variances, determine root causes, and make real‑time adjustments to keep workflow on track.
Materials Requirements Planning (MRP) – Use the ERP/MRP system to calculate raw‑material needs (clay bodies, feldspar, glazes, packaging) and generate purchase orders.
Inventory Optimization – Partner with Procurement to ensure timely material delivery; manage Work‑In‑Progress (WIP) and Finished‑Goods (FG) inventories to balance stock investment with service levels.
Data Integrity – Keep bills of material (BOMs), routing data, and planning parameters current in the ERP system for accurate scheduling and cost forecasting.
Process Optimization – Apply Lean principles to reduce waste, improve flow, and shorten cycle times specific to ceramic processing.
Performance Reporting – Produce KPI reports (Schedule Attainment, Inventory Turns, Production Efficiency, On‑Time Delivery) and present findings with actionable recommendations.
Disruption Management – Lead rapid response and rescheduling efforts when equipment failures, material shortages, or quality holds occur.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration – Serve as the primary planning liaison among Sales, Customer Service, Manufacturing Operations, Quality Assurance, and Logistics; communicate status, potential delays, and schedule changes to all stakeholders.