Senior Production Scheduler

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and demanding Senior Production Scheduler to lead complex scheduling operations across a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role requires expert-level proficiency in SAP and MES, strong analytical thinking, and the ability to drive efficiency while maintaining schedule accuracy and on-time delivery performance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Evaluate forecasts, material availability, labor requirements, and equipment capacity to create accurate, executable production plans.
• Lead daily scheduling meetings with cross-functional teams including Manufacturing, Procurement, Engineering, Quality, and Logistics.
• Monitor shop-floor performance through MES, adjusting schedules proactively in response to machine downtime, material shortages, or priority shifts.
• Release and manage production orders in SAP, ensuring master data accuracy, BOM integrity, and proper routing.
• Identify bottlenecks, capacity constraints, and schedule risks; recommend mitigation strategies and corrective actions.
• Provide regular updates to leadership on schedule adherence, production KPIs, and recovery plans for at-risk orders.
• Champion continuous improvement efforts, using SAP/MES analytics to reduce waste, increase throughput, and improve scheduling precision.
• Support S&OP processes with detailed capacity analysis, long-range planning insights, and data-driven recommendations.
• Mentor junior schedulers and provide guidance on planning best practices and system utilization.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in production scheduling, demand planning, or supply chain planning within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, or similar).
• Demonstrated ability to create, adjust, and optimize complex production schedules.
• Solid knowledge of manufacturing processes, capacity planning, and lead-time management.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Experience in continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, or process-optimization initiatives preferred.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and organizational skills.

Required Qualifications

• 5–7+ years of Production Scheduling or Planning experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Advanced proficiency in SAP PP and enterprise MES platforms.
• Strong understanding of material flow, shop-floor processes, capacity planning, and lean manufacturing principles.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex schedules and respond quickly to changing priorities.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• High attention to detail with a continuous improvement mindset.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in [industry-specific manufacturing: automotive, aerospace, electronics, pharmaceuticals, etc.].
• Certification in APICS CPIM or similar discipline.
• Experience with KPI reporting, data analytics, and dashboard tools.