Description

A production planner in the manufacturing industry plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth and efficient operations. They are responsible for developing production schedules and coordinating with different departments to meet product demand and optimize resources. The production planner carefully analyzes sales forecasts, customer orders, and inventory levels to determine the required production quantities and timelines. They collaborate with procurement and logistics teams to ensure that all necessary materials and components are available as and when needed.The production planner also monitors production progress and makes adjustments to schedules as necessary, considering factors such as machine breakdowns, absenteeism, and quality control issues. They strive to minimize wastage and improve productivity by identifying bottlenecks, implementing process improvements, and training workers.In addition to the day-to-day planning, production planners are also involved in long-term capacity planning and new product introductions. They work closely with product development teams to establish efficient manufacturing processes for new products, ensuring smooth transitions from prototype to full-scale production. They monitor production costs, analyze production data, and develop strategies to enhance efficiency and reduce expenses.Overall, a production planner in the manufacturing industry needs to possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent communication and coordination abilities, and a deep understanding of production processes and resource allocation. They are key players in driving operational excellence and ensuring customer satisfaction in the highly competitive manufacturing sector.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Production Planner in Manufacturing with 0-3 years of experience in Australia, your main responsibilities include:

  • Create production schedules, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and timely completion of orders. Develop production plans based on demand forecasts and available capacity.
  • Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with procurement to ensure adequate stock availability. Regularly review inventory levels, identify shortages or excess, and adjust production plans accordingly.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize production processes and resolve any production-related issues. Work closely with production, logistics, and quality assurance teams to streamline operations and address challenges.
  • Generate reports and analyze production data to identify trends, improve efficiency, and implement cost-saving measures.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Production Planner, Manufacturing, the following qualifications are required:

  • Strong knowledge of production planning principles and methodologies to develop efficient schedules and ensure the timely completion of manufacturing activities.
  • Proficiency in using production planning software and tools to create accurate production plans, monitor progress, and make necessary adjustments to optimize resource utilization.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills to identify potential bottlenecks and proactively address production constraints to minimize downtime and maximize productivity.
  • Strong communication and collaboration abilities to work closely with cross-functional teams, including procurement, logistics, and operations, to ensure seamless coordination and alignment of production activities.

Essential Skills For Production Planner, Manufacturing

1

Leadership Skills

2

Production Process

3

Production Planning

4

Production Management

5

Manufacturing Process Control

Skills That Affect Production Planner, Manufacturing Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Enterprise IT Strategy

15%

Inventory Management

2%

Material Requirements Planning (MRP)

3%

SAP

4%

Career Prospects

The role of a Production Planner in manufacturing is crucial for ensuring smooth operations and efficient production processes. If you have 0-3 years of work experience in Australia, here are four alternative roles to consider:

  • Supply Chain Coordinator: A position that involves coordinating and optimizing the flow of materials, products, and information throughout the supply chain.
  • Inventory Control Specialist: A role focused on managing inventory levels, analyzing demand patterns, and implementing strategies to minimize stockouts and excess inventory.
  • Quality Assurance Technician: A position that involves conducting inspections, tests, and audits to ensure products meet quality standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Lean Manufacturing Coordinator: A role focused on implementing lean principles and continuous improvement initiatives to streamline production processes and eliminate waste.

How to Learn

According to recent data from Google, the job role of Production Planner in the manufacturing sector is experiencing growth in the Australian market. Over the past 10 years, there has been a steady increase in the demand for production planners, indicating a positive trend for this role. This growth can be attributed to the expanding manufacturing industry in Australia. With the increase in technological advancements and automation, the need for skilled professionals in production planning is expected to rise further in the future. This is likely to create a significant number of employment opportunities for individuals in this field.