Production Planner

Title: Production Planner

Location: Mebane Reports to: Director of Operations - Mebane Territory: Americas Department: Operations

Sunlight Group is a world-leading technology company providing innovative industrial and off-road energy storage solutions with over 30 years of experience in more than 115 countries. We specialize in the development and production of lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries for industrial mobility, leisure mobility, and ESS applications. The Sunlight and Triathlon businesses in the Americas are on a journey to achieve $1bn in revenues in the coming years across the Industrial Mobility and Energy Storage System sectors.

Job Summary: The Production Planner will be responsible for coordinating and optimizing the production schedule to ensure efficient operations, on-time delivery, and cost-effectiveness. This role involves close collaboration with various departments, including production, procurement, logistics, and quality assurance, to align resources and meet customer demands.

Key Responsibilities

Production Scheduling

• Develop, implement, and manage detailed production schedules based on customer orders, inventory levels, and manufacturing capacity.
• Adjust production plans as necessary to accommodate changes in demand, equipment downtime, or material shortages.

Inventory Management

• Monitor inventory levels of raw materials and finished goods to ensure alignment with production schedules.
• Coordinate with procurement teams to maintain adequate stock levels and avoid overstocking or shortages.

Coordination and Communication

• Act as a liaison between production, procurement, and logistics teams to ensure smooth workflow and resolve scheduling conflicts.
• Communicate production plans and priorities to supervisors and team leads.

Performance Monitoring

• Track production progress to ensure schedules are being met and report on key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Identify bottlenecks and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency and productivity.

Data Management

• Maintain accurate records of production schedules, material usage, and inventory levels in the company’s ERP/MRP system.
• Analyze data to forecast production needs and improve planning accuracy.

Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Ensure that production activities comply with company policies, safety standards, and quality requirements.
• Collaborate with quality assurance teams to address any production-related quality issues.

Qualifications and Skills

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, operations, industrial engineering, or a related field preferred. Relevant certifications (e.g., APICS, CPIM) are a plus.
• Experience: 5 years of experience in production planning, manufacturing, or supply chain management.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and production planning software.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel or similar tools for data analysis.

Soft Skills:

• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Knowledge:

• Familiarity with manufacturing processes, inventory management, and lean principles.
• Understanding of safety and quality standards in manufacturing environments.

Key Competencies

• Attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong decision-making capabilities supported by data analysis.

Performance Metrics:

• Achieve high-capacity utilization (85%-95%) without overloading resources.
• On-time delivery rate of 95% to meet production schedules.
• Maintain optimal inventory turnover to balance availability with cost efficiency.
• Minimize unplanned downtime by proactively addressing resource and scheduling conflicts.

Sunlight Americas Benefits:

• Competitive PTO Policy
• 401k match up to 6%
• Competitive benefit plans
• HSA contributions for employees and families
• Progressive Paternity and Maternity leave