Production Planner

Overview

Based in Shannon, County Clare, Ireland, this full-time and permanent role as a Production Planner Scheduler offers the opportunity to manage the entire supply chain. Responsibilities include planning production schedules, coordinating raw material procurement, and overseeing shipment timing. This role interacts with corporate purchasing, suppliers, project managers, and customers to ensure efficient and accurate supply chain operations, especially in a fast-changing environment with frequent new product launches.

Key Duties

• Operate independently or within a team setting to complete duties safely, compliantly, and efficiently.
• Respond promptly and accurately to customer forecasts and orders by providing schedules, material information, and accurate manufacturing data.
• Manage capacity constraints including scenario planning for limited production capacity.
• Integrate sales forecasts, budgets, and inventory levels of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods.
• Collaborate with corporate purchasing to place raw material orders according to customer forecasts and assist in the RFQ process during product development.
• Create purchase orders, manage supplier information records, and obtain bid variance approvals as necessary.
• Support financial queries related to batch valuation based on raw material costs.
• Develop and maintain reports and metrics to analyze inventory health and identify improvement actions.
• Forecast raw material needs with key suppliers and efficiently manage inventory pipeline to avoid obsolete stock.
• Lead or participate in cross-functional teams to implement MRP processes to optimize inventory management.
• Support SAP system updates for new part requests coinciding with frequent product introductions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce inventory, improve material flow, and shorten shipping cycles.
• Work closely with purchasing to identify and mitigate supply risks related to sole-source materials and supply performance issues.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, safety, and quality standards throughout production operations.
• Contribute to cross-functional team efforts for new product/process delivery, issue resolution, and site initiatives.
• Maintain cleanliness and high standards in work areas, plant, and equipment.
• Engage fully in programs such as Continuous Improvement, Total Productive Maintenance, 5S, Lean, Six Sigma, Total Quality Management, and self-directed teams.
• Complete all required training and development activities.
• Lead or participate in safety and quality inspections, audits, deviation investigations, HAZOPs, change management, root cause analysis, and solution development.

Qualifications and Experience

• A degree or equivalent qualification is preferred; APICS certification is advantageous.
• At least five years of experience in production planning, material planning, or supply chain planning, ideally within chemical or pharmaceutical industries.
• Familiarity with applicable regulatory and legislative requirements including environmental, health and safety, quality, and employment laws.
• Proficient with computer programs including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SAP, etc.
• Experience or training in operational excellence, continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, six sigma certification, project management, or change management is beneficial.

Skills and Attributes

• Consistent attendance and punctuality are essential.
• Strong work ethic with the ability to meet assigned objectives and timelines.
• Good organizational and time management capabilities; able to prioritize competing demands effectively.
• Maintain respectful and professional relationships with colleagues.
• Excellent communication skills including listening, writing, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal abilities to interact across all levels and provide clear direction.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in reporting and data handling.
• Self-motivated, proactive, positive attitude, adaptable to change, and eager to learn and take on new responsibilities.
• Maintain discretion and confidentiality regarding company and commercial information at all times.
• Strong problem-solving, creative thinking, and analytical abilities.
• Structured and methodical approach to decision-making.

About PPG

PPG is a global leader in innovation, sustainability, and color, serving industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets. The company prides itself on protecting and beautifying the world through its products and services.

The core values at PPG include customer focus, agility, operational excellence, competitive drive, and pride in diverse and safe work cultures.

Diversity and Inclusivity

PPG is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing inclusive environments for growth and continuous learning. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities upon request.

Compensation varies by location and considers multiple factors such as skills, experience, education, and certifications.