Production Scheduler

About the role

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.

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.
• Ensure 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.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience: 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.
• Additional Preferred Qualifications:
• 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).

Skills

• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Epicor, Infor, SAP, or similar) and 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.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies is a plus.

Benefits

Not specified.

Pay

$48,348 per year

Schedule

Typical 40-hour work week during business hours. Little overnight travel required.