Production Scheduler

Fairbanks Scales•Meridian, MS

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Production Scheduler develops, maintains, and optimizes the master production schedule in a heavy metal fabrication manufacturing environment. This role balances customer demand, production capacity, material availability, and resource constraints to ensure on-time delivery, efficient operations, and minimal downtime. The Production Scheduler serves as the central coordinator, communicating schedule status, managing expectations, resolving conflicts, and driving cross-functional collaboration to meet customer commitments while optimizing shop floor efficiency.

Requirements

5+ years of production planning, scheduling or similar role in heavy metal fabrication, steel manufacturing, or custom equipment environment.
Experience with complex, long-lead-time projects is essential.
Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Epicor, Infor, SAP, or similar)
Advanced Excel skills.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities under pressure.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills - ability to influence and coordinate across departments.
Deep understanding of capacity planning, rough-cut capacity planning (RCCP), and finite scheduling.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, project-driven environment.
Strong understanding of fabrication processes (CNC cutting, plate rolling, heavy welding, assembly, etc.) and associated lead times and constraints.
Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

Nice To Haves

Certification in CPIM, CSCP, or similar supply chain credentials preferred.
Experience with project-based or make-to-order manufacturing.
Familiarity with heavy fabrication-specific challenges (e.g., large part handling, welding certifications, heat treatment, NDT requirements).
Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies is a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain a practical master production schedule (MPS) based on customer orders, sales forecasts, project timelines, shop capacity, and material availability.
Create detailed daily, weekly, and monthly schedules for the production processes.
Analyze capacity requirements (machines, labor, cranes, fixtures, and floor space) and identify bottlenecks or constraints in the heavy fabrication environment.
Adjust schedules in response to rush orders, design changes, material delays, or production issues while minimizing impact on overall performance.
Act as the primary point of contact between Sales, Customer Service, and Manufacturing.
Collaborate with Sales and Customer Service to provide accurate lead time estimates, promise dates, and status updates. Manage customer expectations on delivery timelines.
Work closely with Production teams in Manufacturing to communicate priorities, resolve scheduling conflicts, and support daily execution.
Partner with materials purchasing contacts to align raw material (plate, structural steel, etc.) procurement with the production schedule.
Participate in Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) meetings to align demand and supply plans.
Monitor schedule adherence, on-time delivery (OTD), and key metrics (utilization, backlog, lead times).
Provide regular reports and visibility to leadership on production status, risks, and recovery plans.
Drive continuous improvement in scheduling processes, capacity planning, and use of ERP/MRP systems.
Manage work orders, routings, and priorities in the ERP system for heavy fabrication jobs.
Ensuring schedules support quality, safety, and regulatory requirements in a heavy industrial environment.
Support inventory management goals by minimizing excess WIP and finishing goods where possible.
Perform other duties as assigned.