Specialist, Production Planning Detailed Scheduling (PPDS)

About This Opportunity

The Production Planning Detailed Scheduling (PPDS) Planning Specialist sets the short-term direction for the co-packing facility, balancing the service requirements of the business, the space requirements of our DCs and target inventory levels.  This pivotal role will set the 2-week production schedule for the co-packer facility. The rolling schedule will link back to the 13-week plan.  The PPDS Planning Specialist will have strong analytical skills to monitor both production execution and actual demand, with the expectation to adjust the schedule to mitigate service risk within well-defined planning parameters.

The PPDS Planning Specialist will also collaborate with/support/work with the third-party co-pack staff at the facility, ensuring that shipping is executed to meet the inventory targets of each facility.  The PPDS Planning Specialist must have excellent verbal & written communication skills to ensure alignment to the set plan. The PPDS Specialist reports directly to the Manager, Regional Planning and is expected to work closely with the management and staff at the co-pack facility. 

Responsibilities

• Creates detailed 2 weeks production schedules for the assigned co-packer production lines, taking into account all the external factors (availability of materials, min run sizes, our allocation of line time, maintenance schedules, storage resources, actual demand) and linking back to the rolling weekly SNP plan.
• Releases the production orders at least 36 hours before the start of planned production.
• Works with and supports the co-pack staff in charge of ordering raw materials to support the weekly production plan
• Actively works with the co-pack team, acting as a main liaison with Central Planning.  Takes part in the meetings and reviews upcoming weekly production schedule with co-pack staff.
• Adjusts production schedules in order to address real-time business issues by monitoring SAP generated warnings.
• Defines, reviews and requests necessary changes with the parameters established in the system (warning profiles, prioritization matrix, order cycles, etc.).
• Coordinates with the co-pack team all planning parameters, settings and rules.
• Coordinates actions with Demand Planning, Centralized Raw Material Planning, Transportation and Warehouses. Analyzes, identifies and communicates potential out of stock situations. Develops preventive measures to address the situations with support of Central Planning department.
• Identifies slow, not moving and outdates stocks of finished products. 
• Supports the Planning Department in preparation of the Annual Business Plan.
• Responsible for all aspects of managing and monitoring inventory for both full goods and raw materials, this includes completing a monthly inventory count and full reconciliation for the 
• co-packer location
• Participates and provides input to P&L results in monthly P&L meetings 

Qualifications

• University Degree in Engineering, Business, Technology or Supply Chain
• Strong knowledge of logistics principles and manufacturing operations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong Organizational & Analytical skills
• Experienced in using various computing applications, including SAP APO, R/3
• At least 5 years of experience in production planning, raw materials, packaging and deployment of goods
• Ability to effectively lead a team
• Strong influencing skills
• Strong knowledge of products lineup and plant capability
• Knowledge of production, distribution, and supply processes
• Ability to work in dynamic environment balancing multiple priorities