Production Planner II
Apogee Enterprises · Wausau
Apogee Architectural MetalsPosition Summary
The Production Planner II is responsible for coordinating project planning, material procurement, production scheduling, and ERP system maintenance to support manufacturing and project execution. This role works closely with Sales, Project Management, Engineering, Production, Vendors, and Purchasing to ensure projects are accurately planned, materials are ordered and delivered on time, and system data is maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
Project Review & Validation
- Review and validate project scope, pricing, vendor quotes, glass requirements, routing, and material locations.
- Identify, resolve, and communicate missing or incorrect project information to ensure production readiness.
Material Planning & Preparation
- Run CTO planning reports and optimize extrusion usage through Cut Planner to minimize waste.
- Determine purchasing requirements and ensure all required materials are available to support production schedules.
System & BOM Management
- Release Bills of Material (BOMs) to Epicor and maintain accurate job updates.
- Align production schedules, finishing triggers, pricing, and supplier information within CTO and Epicor systems.
Purchasing & Vendor Coordination
- Generate and manage purchase orders (POs) for required materials and services.
- Coordinate with vendors by sending documentation, tracking acknowledgments, resolving delays or discrepancies, and maintaining ongoing communication.
Production Coordination & Project Completion
- Coordinate material flow, scheduling, and production activities to support on-time project completion.
- Process engineering revisions and manage exceptions including DMRs and special orders.
- Communicate project status updates, resolve production issues, and close out projects upon completion.
Communication & Coordination
- Collaborates closely with the Master Scheduler, Project Management, Planning, Engineering, and Purchasing teams to ensure project milestones are achieved on schedule and to proactively resolve constraints impacting customer delivery.
- Maintains frequent communication with internal stakeholders to manage scheduling changes, address issues arising after initial planning, and support overall production flow.
- Provides timely and accurate updates to the Master Scheduler and Planning Supervisor regarding constraints or risks that may affect the production schedule.
- Partners with the Master Scheduler throughout the planning process to ensure critical information is shared and timelines are adjusted as needed.
- Coordinates and delivers detailed planning information to the Purchasing team following order planning activities.
Process Optimization
- Takes an active role in departmental and company-wide continuous improvement initiatives, including Metals-specific projects, to enhance operational efficiency and workflow performance.
- Maintains a strong working knowledge of all production and order fulfillment processes, from order entry through shipping.
- Supports the Production Scheduling team with daily operational activities, process improvement initiatives, cross-functional projects, and special assignments.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Advanced technical proficiency with ERP systems, including SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft, with preferred experience in Epicor, as well as advanced skills in data analysis tools such as Microsoft Excel.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a proven capacity to interpret complex operational data, identify root causes of production delays, and resolve scheduling conflicts efficiently.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally, negotiate priorities among departments, and effectively manage stakeholder expectations.
- Comprehensive knowledge of supply chain operations, including lean manufacturing principles, inventory management, logistics coordination, and demand forecasting methodologies.
- Proficient in inventory management systems and data-driven decision-making tools to support operational efficiency and inventory accuracy.
- Highly organized with strong multitasking capabilities and the ability to manage competing priorities in fast-paced environments.
Education & Experience
Education:
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Associate degree preferred
- APICS CPIM certification preferred
Experience:
- 3–5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment required
- 1–3 years of scheduling or production planning experience preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Experience using Microsoft Dynamics 365, is preferred
Work Environment/Travel Requirements
Primarily office-based with occasional visits to the manufacturing floor. Proper PPE is required when on the manufacturing floor.
This job description outlines the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
Our Benefits
We care about and invest in our employees. We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their well-being and foster professional development. Here is a glimpse of what you can look forward to if you join our team.
Competitive Benefits Package for employees and their dependents (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability)
Incentive Plans
401(k) with employer contribution and match
Employee Stock Purchase Plan with employer match
Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick Time)
Paid Holidays
Tuition Reimbursement Program
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Wellness Program
Training and Career Progression
Apogee and our brands are an Equal Opportunity Employer.