Master Scheduler

POSITION SUMMARY: The Master Scheduler is responsible for developing and maintaining the production schedule for all manufacturing operations, ensuring optimal utilization of resources, on-time delivery to customers, and efficient workflow across all departments. This role serves as the central coordination point between Sales, Production, Quality, Purchasing, and Shipping to balance customer demand with manufacturing capacity.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Production Planning & Scheduling

  • Develop and maintain the master production schedule for all product lines across multiple manufacturing processes (injection molding, CNC machining, welding, assembly, cleanroom operations)
  • Create daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules based on customer orders, forecasts, and capacity constraints
  • Balance production requirements against available resources including equipment, materials, and labor
  • Schedule production changeovers and setups to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency

Capacity & Resource Management

  • Analyze production capacity and identify bottlenecks or constraints
  • Work with Operations leadership to optimize resource utilization and throughput
  • Monitor work-in-process (WIP) inventory levels and adjust schedules accordingly
  • Plan for overtime, additional shifts, or temporary labor needs to meet demand
  • Coordinate with Maintenance on planned equipment downtime for preventive maintenance

Materials & Inventory Coordination

  • Collaborate with Purchasing to ensure material availability for scheduled production runs
  • Monitor raw material inventory levels and lead times
  • Identify material shortages that could impact production schedules and communicate proactively
  • Work with Warehouse/Shipping to coordinate finished goods inventory and delivery schedules

Customer Service & Communication

  • Partner with Sales team to communicate realistic delivery dates and lead times
  • Provide order status updates and manage customer expectations regarding delivery commitments
  • Expedite rush orders and emergency requests while minimizing disruption to master schedule
  • Investigate and resolve scheduling conflicts or delays
  • Generate reports on schedule adherence, on-time delivery performance, and production metrics

Continuous Improvement

  • Identify opportunities to improve scheduling processes and production flow
  • Implement scheduling best practices and lean manufacturing principles
  • Participate in cross-functional teams to improve operational efficiency
  • Utilize ERP/MRP systems to enhance scheduling accuracy and visibility
  • Track and analyze KPIs including schedule attainment, cycle times, and delivery performance

Documentation & Compliance

  • Maintain accurate production scheduling records and documentation
  • Ensure compliance with ISO quality standards and customer-specific requirements
  • Create and maintain standard operating procedures for scheduling processes
  • Generate production reports for management review

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business, Industrial Engineering, or related field preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Minimum 3-5 years of production planning/scheduling experience in a manufacturing environment
  • Plastic manufacturing or injection molding experience highly preferred
  • APICS certification (CPIM or CSCP) preferred

Technical Skills

  • Proficient in ERP/MRP systems (specify your system if applicable)
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, formulas)
  • Experience with production scheduling software and tools
  • Understanding of manufacturing processes, capacity planning, and lean principles
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and BOMs

Core Competencies

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
  • Excellent organizational and time management abilities
  • Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities
  • Strong communication skills (written and verbal) across all organizational levels
  • Collaborative team player with ability to influence without direct authority
  • Proactive mindset with ability to anticipate issues and develop contingency plans
  • Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and production demands

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Primarily office/desk work with regular shop floor presence (30-40% of time)
  • Ability to walk manufacturing floor and climb stairs
  • Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs
  • Extended periods of computer work

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

  • Climate-controlled office environment
  • Regular exposure to manufacturing floor (noise, machinery, temperature variations)
  • Fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and changing priorities
  • Standard business hours with flexibility required for production needs
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