Production Planner IV
Built to Connect
Astec is a global, environmentally focused infrastructure and manufacturing company specializing in asphalt road building and aggregate processing equipment. Our mission is to design and build the most innovative products for the industries we serve. Leveraging cutting-edge solutions and technologies, we deliver exceptional value to customers worldwide.
About the Position
We're seeking a strategic and detail-oriented Production Planner IV to join our Chattanooga manufacturing facility. In this pivotal role, you'll orchestrate our production operations by creating and maintaining comprehensive manufacturing schedules while collaborating across sales, engineering, purchasing, and manufacturing teams. You'll drive capacity planning, establish realistic lead times, and oversee all aspects of facility scheduling. As a leader in our planning function, you'll facilitate production meetings and daily schedule updates to ensure seamless communication and coordinated execution across the organization.
Key Deliverables
- Forecast and manage ramp-up and ramp-down planning for New Product Introductions, balancing demand, capacity, and inventory risk
- Lead a small team of planners or serve as the planning representative on cross-functional teams
- Champion planning process improvement initiatives and drive operational excellence
- Develop and execute strategic plans for implementing and optimizing ERP system utilization
- Schedule production materials strategically to ensure optimal production levels and resource efficiency
- Generate comprehensive reports analyzing production findings and performance metrics
- Determine manpower, equipment, and raw material requirements to meet production demand
Key Activities & Responsibilities
- Create and maintain all production schedules for the facility with precision and foresight
- Plan and slot all work orders, establish capacity parameters, set lead times, and verify delivery dates
- Collaborate with all departments to maintain accurate information and keep stakeholders informed of schedule additions and changes
- Develop master schedules that establish the optimal sequence and lead time for each operation to meet shipping dates based on sales forecasts and customer orders
- Analyze production specifications and plant capacity data, performing detailed calculations to determine manufacturing processes, tools, and human resource requirements
- Leverage ERP systems (Visual or similar platforms) to enhance planning accuracy and efficiency
- Demonstrate meticulous attention to detail with exceptional organizational skills
- Lead the implementation of Visual ERP scheduling systems with enthusiasm and technical proficiency
- Continuously identify and implement process improvements to drive positive operational change
- Expand professional expertise through ongoing educational opportunities and industry certifications
- Achieve departmental and company objectives by consistently meeting established goals and KPIs
- Promote and educate colleagues on Astec's core values and commitment to excellence
- Maintain strict adherence to company policies, procedures, and safety protocols at all times
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree preferred; Associate's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or technical school with a minimum of 5+ years of planning experience in a manufacturing environment
- Proven ability to maintain a positive work atmosphere and communicate effectively with customers, clients, co-workers, and management at all levels
- Demonstrated willingness to apply lean knowledge tools to identify and support continuous improvement initiatives
- Strong communication skills combined with advanced computer proficiency, including Microsoft Excel and Access
- ERP system knowledge and hands-on experience (Visual or similar platforms preferred)
- Exceptional analytical and mathematical capabilities for complex production planning scenarios
Nice-to-Have Skills
- Experience with Visual ERP or comparable enterprise resource planning systems
- Lean Six Sigma certification or training
- Experience in heavy equipment or industrial manufacturing
- Project management certification or experience
- Track record of successfully leading process improvement initiatives
Our Culture & Values
Employees who become part of Astec embody the following values throughout their work:
- Continuous devotion to meeting the needs of our customers
- Honesty and integrity in all aspects of business
- Respect for all individuals
- Preserving entrepreneurial spirit and innovation
- Safety, quality, and productivity as the means to ensure success
Work Environment
Manufacturing Environment
This position is based in our shop manufacturing environment. You may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, machinery, tools and equipment, vibration, fumes or airborne particles, motorized vehicles, welding and machining operations, outside weather conditions, and the risk of electric shock. Occasional exposure to varying levels of dirt, dust, toxic or caustic chemicals, and extreme temperatures may occur. The noise level in the shop can be significant and consistent with an industrial assembly facility, which may require hearing protection. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.
Note: This position carries certain internal control responsibilities. These responsibilities are communicated verbally to the incumbent, and periodic feedback is provided regarding performance of these internal control duties.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Astec is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender (sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law or executive order.
Ready to Make an Impact?
If you're a strategic planner with a passion for manufacturing excellence and a proven track record of driving operational improvements, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today to join the Astec team and help build the future of infrastructure manufacturing.
