Production Scheduling Planner

Work is Sweet! 'Quality without Compromise' is not just a motto at See’s Candies. It is the most important ingredient in our recipe for success. See’s Candies has been in business since 1921 and maintains a reputation for producing the highest quality candy and providing superior customer service. See’s is a leader in the confectionery industry with over 250 retail shops across the USA, a growing e-commerce business, and expanding opportunities internationally. We are seeking friendly, enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about helping us grow and thrive in our second century. Job Description Summary: Position Summary The Production Scheduling Planner is responsible for developing, executing, and continuously optimizing production schedules for a high-volume candy packing facility. This role ensures alignment between demand, capacity, and material availability while maintaining strict adherence to food safety, allergen control, and perishability standards. The Planner plays a critical role in daily execution using Ross ERP and PlanetTogether (or similar advanced planning systems), ensuring accurate scheduling, material readiness, and On-Time, In-Full (OTIF) delivery performance. The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $34-$38 per hour; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Job Description: Core Responsibilities Production Scheduling & Execution Develop and manage a rolling Master Production Schedule (MPS) aligned with forecasts, orders, and capacity constraints. Sequence production to optimize throughput, minimize changeovers, and manage allergen transitions. Firm, release, and adjust jobs to ensure accurate execution on the floor. Rapidly respond to changes in demand, materials, or production performance. System & Data Management (Ross ERP + PlanetTogether) Execute daily scheduling activities within Ross ERP and PlanetTogether ensuring data accuracy and system alignment. Maintain integrity of MRP signals, work orders, and inventory transactions. Publish and communicate production schedules to operations and stakeholders. Inventory WIP and FG Materials & Control Manage materials and packaging using FEFO (First-Expired, First-Out). Monitor shortages, excess, and expiring inventory to minimize waste. Coordinate closely with Procurement and Warehouse to ensure material readiness. Cross-Functional Coordination Partner with Operations, Procurement, Sales, and Warehouse teams to align priorities and resolve constraints. Communicate risks, delays, and schedule changes proactively. Food Safety & Compliance Schedule production to prevent allergen cross-contact and ensure proper sanitation sequencing. Support compliance with GMP, HACCP, and SQF/BRC standards. Performance & Continuous Improvement Monitor KPIs such as schedule adherence, OTIF, downtime, and inventory health. Identify and drive improvements in scheduling, system usage, and material flow. Execution Responsibilities Review, validate, and maintain MRP jobs (inside and outside frozen horizon). Firm, sequence, and align jobs in Ross ERP and PlanetTogether (PT) . Schedules personnel strategically to maintain productivity and operational efficiency. Ensure schedule accuracy (Need Date vs. Schedule Date) and release jobs. Identify and resolve material shortages and production constraints. Maintain frozen horizon integrity (remove obsolete jobs, firm required orders). Monitor inventory (FEFO, expiring, excess) and material availability. Run and review key reports (Inventory, Material Requirements, Production Schedule). Publish and communicate the daily production schedule. Resolve scheduling exceptions (late/early jobs, >8-hour activities, out-of-horizon jobs). Address demand gaps (demand without supply) and balance inventory plans. Review forecast exceptions and adjust plans accordingly. Validate system data (missing templates, message logs, errors). Review upcoming 4-week schedule to ensure readiness and alignment. Monitor expiring and leftover inventory to support FEFO compliance. Review key system reports (SQL-based), including: Inventory by Day Material Requirements Production Schedule / Job distribution Weekly Planning & Control Activities Review and resolve scheduling exceptions, including: Activities exceeding standard duration (>8 hours) Jobs outside the planning horizon Late or early production orders Demand without supply (uncovered demand) Validate planning master data and system integrity: Missing templates Message logs and system alerts Balance production vs. inventory plans (including “balance to pack”). Review Forecast Exception Reports and adjust plans accordingly. Conduct forward-looking review of all jobs within the next 4-week horizon to ensure readiness and alignment. Qualifications Education Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Industrial Engineering, Food Science, or related field (preferred).  High school diploma with some accredited level coursework in related discipline is required. Experience 3 to 5 years in production scheduling or planning within food, beverage, or CPG manufacturing is required. Technical Skills Experience with Ross ERP (preferred). Experience with PlanetTogether or similar APS systems   (preferred). Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (PivotTables, formulas, data analysis) is required. Regulatory Knowledge GMP, HACCP, and food safety standards. Core Competencies Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. High attention to detail and data accuracy. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Effective cross-functional communication. Preferred Qualifications APICS / CPIM certification. Experience with SQF or BRC standards. Bilingual (English/Spanish). Key Success Factors Execution Discipline: