Supply Chain Planner & Production Scheduler
Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America, Inc. · Ayer, MA · 1 mo ago
Management$71k–$83k/yrFull-time
About the role
The Supplier Planner/Production Scheduler plays a critical role in ensuring the seamless flow of raw materials, packaging, and production resources to support uninterrupted manufacturing operations.
Responsibilities
- Monitor current and upcoming production schedules to calculate exact raw material and packaging requirements (MRP).
- Works closely with Purchasing and monitors purchase orders with approved suppliers to guarantee on-time delivery of ingredients.
- Resolve any supply delays or shortages by identifying alternative sources or adjusting quantities.
- Create and update weekly or daily production schedules based on confirmed internal production orders or manufacturing needs.
- Align ingredient inflows with production runs (e.g., ensure fresh produce or temperature-sensitive items arrive the day before or same day as processing).
- Cook up with the production team to sequence manufacturing runs efficiently (e.g., grouping similar products to reduce changeover time and waste).
- Adjust schedules quickly when production priorities change or when suppliers notify of delays.
- Track and maintain accurate inventory levels of all raw materials, ingredients, and packaging across the warehouse and production areas.
- Works with Inventory Analyst by reviewing and providing feedback on regular cycle counts and spot checks (daily/weekly) to reconcile physical stock with records and catch discrepancies early.
- Manage risks of scrap and waste proactively. Set and monitor simple reorder points or min/max levels based on current production schedules (no forecasting involved).
- Keep inventory records clean and traceable (lot numbers, expiry dates, storage conditions) for food-safety compliance.
- Meet daily or as needed with the production supervisor and logistics manager to confirm material availability and inventory status.
- Provide a simple weekly supply-and-inventory status report (All ingredients confirmed + current stock levels for next week’s runs).
- Work closely with the procurement buyer and supply chain manager on new supplier onboarding or contract renewals.
- Escalate any critical supply risks or inventory issues immediately so the team can react expeditiously.
Requirements
- BS in Supply Chain Management or a related field of study.
- 3+ years’ Supply Chain Management experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in a food or beverage environment.
Qualifications
- An entrepreneurial mindset with a bias for action and finding solutions.
- A strong “can-do” attitude.
Skills and Abilities
- Analytical ability with demonstrated skills to manage inventory levels.
- Effective problem-solving, conflict management, communication and collaboration skills.
- Knowledge of Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and production scheduling principles.
- Proficiency in advanced Excel skills, and ERP systems.
- Strong skills in creating, updating, and adjusting weekly or daily production schedules.
Benefits
- Comprehensive and competitive total rewards package, including Competitive Pay and Annual Bonus Opportunity.
- 401(k) with Company Contributions.
- Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
- Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, and Floating Holidays.
- Paid Parental Leave.
- Wellness Programs and Yearly Wellness Reimbursement.
- Work Flexibility.
- Company-Paid Life and Disability Insurance.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Tuition Reimbursement Opportunities.
- Career Growth and Development within a Global Organization.
- Company-Provided Mental Health and Caregiving support.
Pay
$71,449.00 - $83,000.00 Annually plus 12.5% potential bonus
Schedule
Flexible schedule with occasional on-call and travel required.