Production and Logistics Planner

About the role

The Production & Logistics Planner is responsible for capacity planning and logistics coordination at one or more company locations. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to maximize production output through capacity analytics and optimize truck routes and logistics for the lowest cost per unit while maintaining quality. The position reports to the Purchasing & Planning Manager with a dashed-line relationship to the Plant Manager at assigned location(s).

Responsibilities

• Production Planning (40%)
  • Establish and sustain a standardized capacity planning model connected to or within ERP for all division locations.
  • Ensure visualization of production planning through MDI (manage for daily improvement) visual tools standardized at each plant.
  • Produce weekly capacity and lead time reports for internal customers and leaders driven by data analytics from each plant.
  • Participate in SIOP (Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning) activities to align sales, inventory, and production planning for short- and long-term business needs.
  • Use leading indicators such as quote volumes or sales bookings data to plan capacity in the longer term.
• Logistics Planning & Optimization (40%)
  • Coordinate and schedule outbound production logistics for planned routes, LTL, and contract freight.
  • Optimize logistics planning to achieve the lowest cost per unit freight while maintaining reliability to customer expectations.
  • Review and monitor pricing and margins on a daily/weekly basis for alignment with budgets, contracts, and carrier expectations.
  • Analyze weekly logistics route utilization reports to ensure maximized dollar-per-mile performance.
• Inventory Optimization (20%)
  • Ensure alignment with the purchasing team to optimize inventory usage during production.
  • Participate in regular reviews of obsolete and slow-moving inventory (OSMI) and take action to mitigate.
  • Understand inventory segmentation through materials planning strategies such as ABC and XYZ analysis to assist in SIOP planning.
  • Ensure alignment with corporate cycle counting strategies that achieve 96% or better inventory accuracy.
  • Participate in regular cycle counting as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, logistics, business, economics, or analytics required.
• APICS CSCP or APICS CPIM certifications are a plus but not required.
• Minimum of 2 years of production planning experience with a focus on manufacturing wood or metal products.
• Minimum of 1 year of logistics coordination, analytics, or administration experience.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to communicate detailed planning.
• Ability to lead through influence with cross-functional leaders.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Previous experience with ERP/MRP systems.
• Experience using data to drive informed and thoughtful decision-making.