Scheduler / Planner

Job Description

Job Description

Labor Staffing – Current Openings

Job Title : Planning / Scheduler (Production)

Location : Stone Mountain, GA (Not a remote role)

Reports To : Operations Manager

Job Summary :

We are seeking an experienced Production Planner / Scheduler with proven expertise in scheduling production (machine) lines. This role requires a proactive leader who can thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, balancing plant floor activities, customer requirements, supplier relationships, and corporate standards.

The Planner / Scheduler will manage production schedules across multiple product lines, coordinate with corporate planning and customer service, oversee raw material procurement, and ensure efficient utilization of plant resources. Strong plant-floor presence, problem-solving skills, and the ability to interface effectively with both internal teams and external partners are essential.

Core Responsibilities :

Schedule foam production lines, straw lines, cutlery lines, and specialty product lines (may include extruder lines).

Work closely with corporate planning and customer service to implement production schedules that meet customer commitments.

Plan production activities to maximize equipment utilization and communicate adjustments to department leaders.

Maintain floor presence, reviewing production lines and collaborating with supervisors / managers to prioritize production needs.

Monitor order flow and work with sales to align capacities with market demand.

Partner with corporate planning to maintain inventory levels to support customer service goals.

Oversee procurement of raw materials (foam beads, plastic pellets, boxes, bags, inks, repair parts, etc.).

Recommend purchasing policies, place purchase orders, and maintain adequate inventory levels.

Negotiate supplier contracts, secure bids, and manage relationships with vendors.

Coordinate receipts of materials with Accounts Payable and oversee disposal / sale of surplus or obsolete materials.

Lead cost improvement initiatives with suppliers and identify freight savings opportunities.

Provide administrative oversight of purchase documentation and reporting.

Act as backup for Production Managers when needed.

Support new product demands and plant-wide initiatives.

Champion continuous improvement, safety compliance, and collaboration across departments.

Maintain adherence to GMP, food safety, HACCP, SQF, and company safety standards.

Competencies :

Strong collaboration with plant leadership and supervisors to maintain productivity goals.

Ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex scheduling issues.

Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles.

Effective communication (written and verbal) across all organizational levels.

Hands-on, proactive leadership style with a focus on results.

Strong planning, organizing, and problem-solving skills.

Education & Qualifications :

Bachelor’s Degree in a technical field preferred.

Minimum 10 years’ supervisory and / or management experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Prior plastics, EPS, consumer products, or high-speed production industry experience preferred.

Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).

Mechanical / technical aptitude.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Must be able to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.

Physical Demands & Work Environment :

Work performed indoors in a non-air-conditioned manufacturing facility.

PPE required : hairnet, hearing protection, and safety glasses.

Shifts may be 8 or 12 hours , starting at 6 : 50 a.m. (days) or 6 : 50 p.m. (nights).

Must be available to work weekdays, weekends, and overtime as required.

Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting (up to 40 lbs).

100% tobacco-free workplace (designated outside smoking areas available).