What does a Production Planner do?
A production planner is responsible for the accuracy and timeliness of the production process. Duties include a specific focus on the materials and goods required in the production phase, ensuring the working space is properly maintained in order to have optimal performance. Production planners may progress to a managerial or executive position depending on the internal organization structure and industry.
A bachelor's degree is preferred by most companies when hiring a production planner with most employers expressing value in prior experience in the same position. Other technical certifications such as an American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) certification also adds value to the position with the most successful candidates having an in-depth knowledge of the industry and technical know-how. Other valuable skills include sharp analytical skills and exceptional organization and time-management abilities.
- Schedule usage of production materials to ensure optimal production levels
- Evaluate suppliers or quality, timeliness and match according to goals
- Monitor material supply flow and identify any shortages or bottlenecks in usage
- Identify and resolve problems relating to inventory
- Forecast market challenges based on competitor analysis and industry trends
- Address issues regarding quality and production
- Produce reports based on findings and performance of production
- Manage deadlines based on project expectations
- Technical certifications such as an APICS certification preferred
- Prior experience as a production planner in the industry preferred
- Good understanding of the industry market trends and conditions
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Exceptional organizational and time-management skills
- Strong regard for product quality and safety standards
- Sharp analytical and problem-solving skills
- Meticulous and diligent
- Able to sit, stand and move around for long hours at a time
Production Planner Salaries
Average Base Pay
Production Planner Career Path
Learn how to become a Production Planner, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Production Planner Insights
Lockheed Martin“max) increase yearly plus a good estimate of what merit (bonus) is.”
SLB“oil and gas not in a good spot so job security is not at the best”
Sobida Motors“colleagues are great and fun to work with.”
“Good good good good good”
Topre“Direct management of scheduling group was not the best executed.”
Arden Companies“Long hours are expected if thats what it takes.”
Lockheed Martin“What you get out of planning in terms of career growth solely depends on the projects your assigned.”
Lockheed Martin“Typically a good team and fun projects to work on.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a Production Planner
When working as a Production Planner, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are Excellent Communication, Microsoft Office Suite, Enterprise Resource Planning, ERP System and Schedules.
- Demand Planner
- Planner
- Supply Chain Manager
- Supply Chain Specialist
The most common qualifications to become a Production Planner is a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.