Master Planner / Scheduler

Position Summary

The Master Planner / Scheduler is responsible for developing and managing the production schedule for a precision machine shop to ensure on-time delivery, optimal machine utilization, and efficient workflow across all departments. This role serves as the central coordination point between sales, engineering, purchasing, quality, and manufacturing to balance customer demand, capacity, and material availability while supporting operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Production Planning & Scheduling

• Develop and maintain the master production schedule (MPS) based on customer demand, forecast, capacity, and material availability.

• Create detailed production schedules for machining, finishing, inspection, and shipping operations.

• Sequence jobs to optimize machine utilization, setup efficiency, and labor resources.

• Monitor schedule adherence and adjust priorities as needed to meet delivery commitments.

• Identify bottlenecks and capacity constraints and develop mitigation plans.

Work Order & ERP Management

• Release and manage work orders within the ERP/MRP system.

• Ensure routing, BOMs, and lead times are accurate to support reliable planning.

• Maintain schedule visibility and communicate changes to production leadership.

• Verify material, tooling, and outside processing availability prior to release.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Serve as the primary liaison between Sales, Operations, Purchasing, Engineering, and Quality.

• Collaborate with purchasing to align material arrivals with production needs.

• Coordinate subcontracted services (heat treat, plating, coating, etc.) within schedule requirements.

• Communicate delivery risks and recovery plans proactively.

Capacity & Performance Management

• Analyze machine and labor capacity versus demand.

• Track key planning metrics including:

  • On-Time Delivery (OTD)

  • Schedule attainment

  • Throughput

  • WIP levels

  • Load vs. capacity

• Recommend schedule adjustments to improve throughput and flow.

Continuous Improvement

• Support Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Reduce lead time and WIP through improved planning strategies.

• Improve schedule stability and predictability.

• Help develop standardized planning processes and reporting.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Manufacturing, or related field preferred.

• 35+ years of production planning or scheduling experience in a machining or manufacturing environment.

• Strong understanding of CNC machining processes, setups, and shop flow.

• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (JobBOSS, Epicor, E2, SAP, Plex, etc.).

• Ability to interpret blueprints, routings, and manufacturing requirements.

• Advanced Excel/data analysis skills preferred

What we offer: 

Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage. Company paid for Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance.

Additional Benefits: Paid time off, Floating Holidays, Volunteer time off, and sick time off (depending on state of employment). 401k Plan

Employee Perks: Discounts on products and services.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.  If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.