Production Planner (Somerset, NJ, US)

About the Role:

We have a current opening for a Production Planner role and are actively reviewing applications.

Ferrero USA, a leading global confectionery manufacturer with a strong track record of innovations and a great reputation for the quality of its products, is looking for a Production Planner to support our Production Operations team. The position will work out of our Somerset, NJ location and report to the Production Planning Manager.

The Production Planner develops short- and long-term production plans to align with supply demands, inventory requirements, material availability, and production capacity. The Production Planner works closely with internal and external stakeholders to understand and evaluate throughput, capacity constraints, production cycles and labor requirements while utilizing KPI reporting and root cause analysis to drive improvements and achieve targets. This role also works with Supply Chain Management to ensure adequate stock of finished goods is available within the distribution network to satisfy Customer orders, while maintaining the production workload and communicating with top-tier stakeholders to ensure packaging and bulk is readily available. In addition, this role coordinates inventory transfers between facilities to support production requirements, inventory optimization and warehouse capacity.

Main Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain short- and long-term Production and Capacity Planning function, from material availability through production output considering 300+ finished goods and 1500+ MRP codes

• Review and adjust production schedules based on changes in demand, material availability, production capacity and priorities

• Coordinate with Production, Procurement, Warehousing, Quality and Supply Chain teams to resolve material, capacity and production constraints

• Monitor packaging and bulk components inventory levels and proactively identify potential shortages, excesses, liabilities and risks

• Lead and participate in weekly production planning meetings to communicate priorities, capacity constraints, material risks and upcoming production requirements

• Work with production staff to ensure production declarations are accurately recorded for correct billing and component accuracy

• Provide direction and leadership to the Second Shift Production Supervisor, ensuring consistent execution of production plans

• Monitor production performance against plan and investigate root causes of missed attainment

• Analyze inventory, production and planning data to identify opportunities to improve service levels, inventory efficiency and operational performance

• Frequent analysis and communication with Central Planning to evaluate needs and future coverage of overseas componentry based upon the changing market demands and evaluate global production capacity, constraints and potential impacts to local business

• Communicate with multiple 3rd party providers for inventory accuracy and capacity availability

• Communicate with GPD and Documentation and Procurement to ensure BOM adjustments, technical specifications and material availability are made timely to ensure efficient ongoing operations

• Attend cross-functional meetings to keep informed on brand performance and new product developments

About You:

We are looking for a candidate that can communicate well to multiple cross-functional teams, including Supply Planning, Procurement, Production Floor, Quality, Maintenance, Warehouse, etc. This candidate should communicate planning risks, priorities and potential impacts to key stakeholders and escalate issues requiring cross-functional resolution. This individual should maintain a strong working knowledge of technical production capabilities across locations and lines including seasonality, to provide suggestions in early phases of new product development. Previous experience in production planning, working in fast pace and changing environments, SAP systems and have extensive background with working with Excel and formulas is preferred. Organization and detail oriented are also preferred traits on this individual.

Education & Professional Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field required

• 3-5+ years of experience in food manufacturing of food co-packaging (preferred)

• Proficient with Microsoft Office tools; Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint

Attributes:

• Ability to troubleshoot technological problems

• Able to work with minimal supervision in a rotating shift environment.

• Strong communications skills in a multi-cultural environment

• Demonstrated ability to direct production employees in a proactive and positive manner

• Demonstrated problem solving and leadership skills

• Demonstrated team building skills

• Detailed Oriented in a face paced working environment

• Priority tasking with deadlines to be managed

• Bi-lingual English/Spanish (highly preferred)

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of MRP Planning Systems (SAP/APO/BW/S4Hana preferred)

• Knowledge of capacity planning techniques

• Knowledge of production scheduling

• Knowledge of production lines and machinery

• Knowledge of stock management and production models

• Knowledge and application of production performance analysis methods

• Knowledge and application of Food Safety, Quality and Sanitation/Hygiene policies and procedures

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure As part of our recruitment process, Ferrero may use artificial intelligence (AI) enabled tools to assist with reviewing candidate applications. These tools are used solely to support recruiters by summarizing application information and identifying potential alignment with job requirements. AI does not independently screen out or select candidates, and it does not replace human judgment. Final decisions regarding candidate progression are always made by Ferrero recruiters and hiring managers.

What We Offer:

Careers with caring built in - discover our benefits here.

The base compensation range for this position is $75,305 - $100,406. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors permitted by law. This range represents the anticipated salary for this position at this time.

In addition to base salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other benefits.

About Ferrero:

Ferrero began its journey in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies, with many iconic brands sold in countries all over the world. Find out more about Ferrero at ferrero.com.

DE&I at Ferrero:

Ferrero is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at Ferrero. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative, and highly rewarding. Find out more here.

Ferrero is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable human rights laws. Ferrero will recruit, hire, train, and promote all persons without regard to race, creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, or history of disability (except where physical or mental abilities are a bona fide occupational requirement and the individual is not able to perform the essential functions of the position even with reasonable accommodations), citizenship, or any other protected characteristic.

Ferrero will accommodate the needs of applicants with disabilities throughout all stages of the selection process. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise the People & Organization (HR) Representative. Information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.