Production Planner I in Albany, New York at Infinite Electronics International, Inc.

Position Description:

The Production Planner is an exempt position responsible for scheduling, coordinating, and expediting the flow of work and materials in alignment with production capacity, material availability, and customer delivery requirements. This role converts customer demand, forecast signals, and sales orders into executable production schedules that support revenue targets, optimize resource utilization, and ensure on-time delivery performance.

The Production Planner analyzes capacity constraints, labor availability, material lead times, and inventory levels to develop realistic and achievable build plans. By continuously monitoring work-in-process, material shortages, and schedule adherence, this role proactively identifies risks that may impact production flow and implements tactical adjustments within defined planning parameters.

Serving as a key cross-functional liaison between Production, Purchasing, Engineering, Quality, Customer Service, and Operations leadership, the Production Planner exercises independent judgment and discretion in balancing demand and supply priorities. Through data-driven decision-making and disciplined ERP/MRP system management, this role helps reduce delays, minimize excess inventory, and improve overall operational efficiency.

This position requires strong analytical capability, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while operating with a high degree of autonomy and professional discretion.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain daily and weekly production schedules that align customer demand, forecast requirements, and available capacity to ensure on-time delivery and efficient resource utilization. Analyze production capacity, labor availability, equipment constraints, and material lead times to create realistic and executable build plans that support operational goals. Release, sequence, and prioritize work orders within the ERP/MRP system to optimize workflow and minimize production disruptions.
• Continuously monitor work-in-process levels, material shortages, and schedule adherence to identify potential delays or bottlenecks, and implement appropriate adjustments within defined planning parameters. Coordinate closely with Purchasing to proactively mitigate material shortages, expedite critical components, and maintain appropriate inventory levels to support production continuity.
• Communicate schedule updates, priority changes, and potential risks to Production, Engineering, Quality, and Customer Service to ensure cross-functional alignment and informed decision-making. Maintain and analyze planning metrics, including schedule attainment, on-time delivery, backlog status, and capacity utilization, and prepare reports to support operational review and performance management.
• Investigate the root causes of past-due orders, identify process breakdowns or system gaps, and recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Ensure ERP/MRP system accuracy by maintaining disciplined transaction management, validating planning data inputs, and supporting continuous improvement of planning processes. Perform other duties as assigned in support of operational objectives.

Production Planner- Level II & Level III:

• Level II and Level III are promotional steps only. All Production Planners are hired at Level I, although compensation may reflect prior experience and demonstrated capability. The following criteria may vary based on operational complexity, product mix, and business needs.
• To obtain a Level II title, the Production Planner must demonstrate 100% proficiency in ERP/MRP planning transactions and daily production schedule execution, including accurate work order release, sequencing, and system maintenance. The planner must demonstrate at least 75% proficiency in capacity analysis and material planning activities, maintain documented on-time delivery and schedule adherence performance, and independently resolve routine schedule disruptions such as material shortages or capacity constraints. In addition, the Level II planner must demonstrate the ability to assist in training and supporting junior planners while maintaining consistent planning accuracy and cross-functional communication.
• To obtain a Level III title, the Production Planner must demonstrate advanced proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and production planning processes, including full ownership of schedule creation, capacity modeling, and material alignment activities. The planner must maintain 100% proficiency in schedule development and capacity analysis, demonstrate at least 75% proficiency in long-term demand alignment and forward-looking production planning, and sustain high performance in delivery metrics and operational efficiency. The Level III planner is expected to mentor and train peers, support cross-functional planning initiatives, and contribute to continuous improvement efforts within the planning function.
• Level III may exercise limited schedule change authority within established planning parameters to proactively mitigate delays or optimize production flow. Major capacity reallocations, strategic schedule changes, and resource realignments remain under the authority of the Operations Manager.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• At least 2 years of experience in production planning, scheduling, supply chain coordination, manufacturing operations, or related analytical roles.
• Foundational understanding of production flow, inventory management, and material requirements planning concepts.
• Basic working knowledge of ERP or MRP systems and standard planning transactions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and identify trends.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including ability to manipulate data, use formulas, and create basic reports.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment within defined processes and escalate issues appropriately.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• At least 4 years of progressive experience in production planning, material planning, scheduling, or manufacturing operations.
• Demonstrated full proficiency in ERP/MRP planning transactions, including work order release, schedule maintenance, and inventory alignment.
• Proven experience managing daily production schedules independently in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience analyzing capacity constraints, labor planning, and material shortages to mitigate schedule risk.
• Demonstrated track record of maintaining on-time delivery and schedule adherence metrics.
• Experience supporting cross-functional coordination between Production, Purchasing, Engineering, and Customer Service.
• Intermediate to advanced Excel proficiency, including pivot tables, lookups, and data analysis functions.

Physical Job Requirements:

This position primarily involves seated work in an office or production-adjacent environment, with frequent use of a computer, keyboard, and dual-monitor setup for extended periods of time. The role requires frequent visual focus and attention to detail while reviewing schedules, reports, and system data. Occasional walking within the production or warehouse areas may be required to coordinate with operational teams, review work-in-process, or assess capacity constraints. The position may require light lifting of materials or documents up to 20 pounds on an occasional basis. The Production Planner must be able to communicate effectively in person, via phone, and through virtual communication platforms.

Environment:

Warehouse environment, occasionally hot or cold temperatures, moderate noise level, occasional dust, chemical odors

Accommodation:
Candidates for the position should be able to perform essential job duties in described work environment with or without accommodation.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Infinite Electronics is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to building a diverse workforce and we actively encourage women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans to apply.