Master Scheduler

Job Summary/Overview

The Master Scheduler plays a pivotal role in ensuring smooth and timely production processes. This position aligns sales forecasts, production capacity, material availability, and inventory targets to achieve key performance goals, including on-time delivery, inventory turnover, and forecast accuracy. As a central contributor to the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, the Master Scheduler collaborates closely with Operations, Materials, Purchasing, and Customer Service to balance demand and supply, manage constraints, and support overall business objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the master production schedule based on customer orders, sales forecasts, production, capacity, and material availability.
• Lead and assist the planning team, providing guidance and support.
• Foster a collaborative environment to ensure effective communication and teamwork.
• Maintain optimal inventory levels by collaborating with inventory control teams to minimize excess or obsolete stock while ensuring product availability for customer orders.
• Coordinate with production, procurement, and logistics teams to ensure timely availability of materials and resources.
• Create and maintain a dynamic lead time model based on capacity planning and supply chain fluctuations.
• Monitor production progress and adjust schedules as needed to address any delays or issues.
• Analyze production data and identify opportunities for process improvements and efficiency gains.
• Communicate schedule changes and updates to relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare and present regular reports on production status, schedule adherence, and performance metrics.
• Collaborate with the sales and customer service teams to manage customer expectations and delivery timelines.
• Prepare and present regular reports on production schedules, performance metrics, and planning activities.
• Conduct root cause analysis for any scheduling discrepancies and develop action plans to prevent recurrence.
• Actively participate in the monthly S&OP process, providing schedule visibility, capacity insights and risk assessments.

Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, and Abilities

• Proven experience as a Master Scheduler or in a similar role within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of production planning, scheduling, and inventory management principles.
• Proficiency in scheduling software and ERP systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• 5+ years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or a related field.
• CPIM or CSCP preferred.