What does a Production Planner do?

A production planner is responsible for the accuracy and timeliness of the production process. Duties include a specific focus on the materials and goods required in the production phase, ensuring the working space is properly maintained in order to have optimal performance. Production planners may progress to a managerial or executive position depending on the internal organization structure and industry.

A bachelor's degree is preferred by most companies when hiring a production planner with most employers expressing value in prior experience in the same position. Other technical certifications such as an American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) certification also adds value to the position with the most successful candidates having an in-depth knowledge of the industry and technical know-how. Other valuable skills include sharp analytical skills and exceptional organization and time-management abilities.

What responsibilities are common for Production Planner jobs?
  • Schedule usage of production materials to ensure optimal production levels
  • Evaluate suppliers or quality, timeliness and match according to goals
  • Monitor material supply flow and identify any shortages or bottlenecks in usage
  • Identify and resolve problems relating to inventory
  • Forecast market challenges based on competitor analysis and industry trends
  • Address issues regarding quality and production
  • Produce reports based on findings and performance of production
  • Manage deadlines based on project expectations
What are the typical qualifications for Production Planner jobs?
  • Technical certifications such as an APICS certification preferred
  • Prior experience as a production planner in the industry preferred
  • Good understanding of the industry market trends and conditions
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Exceptional organizational and time-management skills
  • Strong regard for product quality and safety standards
  • Sharp analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Meticulous and diligent
  • Able to sit, stand and move around for long hours at a time
Education--
Work/Life Balance
3.4 ★
Salary Range--
Career Opportunity
3.4 ★
Avg. Experience2-4 years

Production Planner Salaries near United Kingdom

Average Base Pay

£35,173 /yr
Not including cash compensation
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Glassdoor Estimated Salary

Production Planner Insights

Read what Production Planner professionals have to say about their job experiences and view top companies for this career.
Lockheed MartinLockheed Martin
Program Planner
15 Jun 2022

“max) increase yearly plus a good estimate of what merit (bonus) is.”

LLA Consulting
Production Planner
4 Sept 2023

“Nice and Good to work here”

Sobida MotorsSobida Motors
Production Planner
22 Jun 2022

“colleagues are great and fun to work with.”

TopreTopre
Production Scheduler
29 Nov 2022

“Direct management of scheduling group was not the best executed.”

Lockheed MartinLockheed Martin
Program Planner
11 May 2022

“What you get out of planning in terms of career growth solely depends on the projects your assigned.”

Lockheed MartinLockheed Martin
Master Program Planner Staff
7 Mar 2022

“Typically a good team and fun projects to work on.”

Menasha PackagingMenasha Packaging
Production Scheduler
11 Jul 2021

“Not the best work and life balance.”

Northrop GrummanNorthrop Grumman
Production Planner/Scheduler
17 Aug 2021

“Not your normal 9 to 5 if that matters to tou”

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