Production Planner

Job Summary:

The Production Planner is responsible for coordinating, scheduling, and monitoring production activities to ensure on-time delivery of harness and box build products at Ag Express Electronics. This role aligns customer demand, material availability, labor resources, and production capacity to optimize workflow, reduce bottlenecks, and support operational performance. The Production Planner plays a critical role in balancing people, parts, and processes to drive efficiency and accountability across manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Production Planning & Scheduling

• Develop and maintain production schedules for harness and box build manufacturing, ensuring alignment with customer demand and stock build plans.

• Balance production capacity across multiple shifts and sites (Des Moines, Sulphur Springs, Grand Island) to optimize throughput.

• Monitor work order status daily to ensure on-time delivery, escalating issues when required.

Operations & Labor Coordination

• Partner with Production Managers and Supervisors to allocate labor effectively across work centers and shifts.

• Anticipate labor shortages, absences, or training gaps that may impact production schedules and recommend adjustments.

• Support workforce planning by identifying areas requiring overtime, cross-training, or resource reallocation.

• Provide clear direction to operations teams on daily/weekly priorities to align work execution with the master schedule.

Coordination & Communication

• Act as the central point of communication between Sales, Materials Management, and Production teams to align priorities.

• Review new Sales Orders for feasibility against current schedule, labor capacity, and material availability.

• Provide timely updates to stakeholders on schedule changes, labor constraints, and recovery plans.

Material & Capacity Alignment

• Partner with Materials Management to ensure timely availability of parts, harness components, and assemblies.

• Coordinate with Production Managers and Supervisors to identify equipment and labor constraints.

• Recommend adjustments to schedules, overtime, or resource allocation to meet deadlines.

Tool Development & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and maintain planning tools (Excel or similar platforms) to balance labor, work centers, and equipment capacity.

• Analyze production and labor data to identify trends, bottlenecks, and opportunities for efficiency.

• Establish forecasting, capacity planning, and material requirements planning (MRP) processes.

• Create dashboards, reports, and KPIs to track schedule adherence and workforce utilization.

• Support Lean and ISO 9001 continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

Technical Skills

• Advanced Excel (pivot tables, Power Query, macros, scenario modeling).

• ERP/MRP system use for scheduling, capacity planning, and work order management (Acumatica preferred).

• Familiarity with production scheduling software or planning modules.

• Data analysis and reporting tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, or similar).

• Understanding of Lean manufacturing principles and capacity modeling.

• Ability to create and maintain custom planning templates, trackers, and dashboards.

Problem-Solving and Efficiency

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to resolve issues in a fast-paced environment.

• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing demands.

Organization and Attention to Detail

• Maintains confidentiality and precision in handling company and customer information.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

Interpersonal Skills

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team with a positive, professional attitude.

Required Experience/Education/Training/Certifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, or related field, or equivalent work experience.

Experience:

• 3+ years of production planning, scheduling, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment (electronics or harness assembly preferred).

• Proven experience in building or overhauling production planning systems is highly desirable.

• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.

• Effective communicator with the ability to collaborate across departments.

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and standard office software.

Physical Demands:

• Manual Dexterity: Ability to manipulate small components, connectors, and wires with precision and accuracy during the assembly and testing of electrical systems. 

• Lifting and Carrying: Occasionally, the role may involve lifting and carrying equipment, tools, or materials weighing up to a certain limit. 

• Standing and Walking: Some tasks may require standing and walking around the facility for limited periods of time, such as collaborating with coworkers and testing certain equipment. 

• Visual Acuity: Good eyesight and visual acuity are important for reading technical diagrams, inspecting electrical components, and identifying small details during the repair and testing process. 

• Sitting for Extended Periods: Much of the work may be conducted at a desk or workstation, requiring the ability to sit for extended periods 

• Repetitive Motion: Some tasks, electronic assembly or testing, may involve repetitive motions of the hands, arms, or fingers. Ergonomic practices should be followed to minimize the risk of repetitive strain injuries. 

• Safety Awareness: Awareness of and adherence to safety protocols and procedures, including ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) protocols, is essential when navigating the organization’s facilities to ensure compliance and minimize the risk of workplace hazards or accidents. 

Benefits:

Ag Express Electronics offers a leading benefits package as highlighted below:

• Employer-Sponsored Benefits: Medical, Dental, Group Life, Short-Term Disability (STD) with buy-up options

• Voluntary Benefits: Vision, Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account(s) (FSA), Life Insurance

• 401(k): Safe Harbor 401(k) including an annual 3% company contribution and Profit Share funded annually at the discretion of Ag Express Electronics.

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): Contribution funded annually at the discretion of Ag Express Electronics.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): PTO allowance to support work-life balance and provide employees with opportunities for rest, relaxation, and personal pursuits.

• Holiday Benefits: Recognition and observance of holidays by Ag Express Electronics, allowing employees to celebrate.

• Flexible Hours: Flexible work hours empower employees to have greater control over their work schedules, fostering a better work-life balance and increased flexibility to accommodate personal commitments.

• Educational Assistance: Support for employee development through educational assistance, including financial support for further education or professional certifications relevant to their roles, ensuring continuous learning and growth opportunities.

• Casual Dress Environment: Enjoy a casual dress environment at work, with company-provided branded clothing to promote comfort and a sense of belonging among employees.

Ag Express Electronics is an Equal Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender, identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.

About Us:

Ag Express Electronics is a leading provider of innovative electrical solutions for agricultural, construction, and industrial applications. We specialize in designing custom electrical harnesses and distribution systems to meet the unique needs of our clients. Our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality, reliable, and efficient solutions that exceed customer expectations.