Production Planner

Ferrero • Franklin Township, NJ

5d • $75,305 - $100,406 • Onsite

About The Position

Ferrero USA, a leading global confectionery manufacturer, is seeking a Production Planner to support its Production Operations team in Somerset, NJ. This role reports to the Production Planning Manager. The Production Planner is responsible for developing short- and long-term production plans that align with supply demands, inventory requirements, material availability, and production capacity. This involves collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to assess throughput, capacity constraints, production cycles, and labor needs, while using KPI reporting and root cause analysis for continuous improvement. The position also works with Supply Chain Management to ensure sufficient finished goods inventory in the distribution network to meet customer orders, manage production workload, and ensure timely availability of packaging and bulk materials. Additionally, the role coordinates inventory transfers between facilities to support production, optimize inventory, and manage warehouse capacity.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field required
• Proficient with Microsoft Office tools; Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint
• Ability to troubleshoot technological problems
• Able to work with minimal supervision in a rotating shift environment.
• Strong communications skills in a multi-cultural environment
• Demonstrated ability to direct production employees in a proactive and positive manner
• Demonstrated problem solving and leadership skills
• Demonstrated team building skills
• Detailed Oriented in a face paced working environment
• Priority tasking with deadlines to be managed
• Knowledge of MRP Planning Systems (SAP/APO/BW/S4Hana preferred)
• Knowledge of capacity planning techniques
• Knowledge of production scheduling
• Knowledge of production lines and machinery
• Knowledge of stock management and production models
• Knowledge and application of production performance analysis methods
• Knowledge and application of Food Safety, Quality and Sanitation/Hygiene policies and procedures

Nice To Haves

• 3-5+ years of experience in food manufacturing of food co-packaging (preferred)
• Previous experience in production planning, working in fast pace and changing environments, SAP systems and have extensive background with working with Excel and formulas is preferred.
• Organization and detail oriented are also preferred traits on this individual.
• Bi-lingual English/Spanish (highly preferred)

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain short- and long-term Production and Capacity Planning function, from material availability through production output considering 300+ finished goods and 1500+ MRP codes
• Review and adjust production schedules based on changes in demand, material availability, production capacity and priorities
• Coordinate with Production, Procurement, Warehousing, Quality and Supply Chain teams to resolve material, capacity and production constraints
• Monitor packaging and bulk components inventory levels and proactively identify potential shortages, excesses, liabilities and risks
• Lead and participate in weekly production planning meetings to communicate priorities, capacity constraints, material risks and upcoming production requirements
• Work with production staff to ensure production declarations are accurately recorded for correct billing and component accuracy
• Provide direction and leadership to the Second Shift Production Supervisor, ensuring consistent execution of production plans
• Monitor production performance against plan and investigate root causes of missed attainment
• Analyze inventory, production and planning data to identify opportunities to improve service levels, inventory efficiency and operational performance
• Frequent analysis and communication with Central Planning to evaluate needs and future coverage of overseas componentry based upon the changing market demands and evaluate global production capacity, constraints and potential impacts to local business
• Communicate with multiple 3rd party providers for inventory accuracy and capacity availability
• Communicate with GPD and Documentation and Procurement to ensure BOM adjustments, technical specifications and material availability are made timely to ensure efficient ongoing operations
• Attend cross-functional meetings to keep informed on brand performance and new product developments

Benefits

• health insurance
• retirement plans
• paid time off

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level