Production Scheduling Planner

Work is Sweet!

'Quality without Compromise' is not just a motto at See's Candies. It is the most important ingredient in our recipe for success. See's Candies has been in business since 1921 and maintains a reputation for producing the highest quality candy and providing superior customer service.

See's is a leader in the confectionery industry with over 250 retail shops across the USA, a growing e-commerce business, and expanding opportunities internationally. We are seeking friendly, enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about helping us grow and thrive in our second century.

Job Description Summary:

Position Summary

The Production Scheduling Planner is responsible for developing, executing, and continuously optimizing production schedules for a high-volume candy packing facility. This role ensures alignment between demand, capacity, and material availability while maintaining strict adherence to food safety, allergen control, and perishability standards.

The Planner plays a critical role in daily execution using Ross ERP and PlanetTogether (or similar advanced planning systems), ensuring accurate scheduling, material readiness, and On-Time, In-Full (OTIF) delivery performance.

The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $34-$38 per hour; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Job Description:

Core Responsibilities

Production Scheduling & Execution

• Develop and manage a rolling Master Production Schedule (MPS) aligned with forecasts, orders, and capacity constraints.
• Sequence production to optimize throughput, minimize changeovers, and manage allergen transitions.
• Firm, release, and adjust jobs to ensure accurate execution on the floor.
• Rapidly respond to changes in demand, materials, or production performance.

System & Data Management (Ross ERP + PlanetTogether)

• Execute daily scheduling activities within Ross ERP and PlanetTogether ensuring data accuracy and system alignment.
• Maintain integrity of MRP signals, work orders, and inventory transactions.
• Publish and communicate production schedules to operations and stakeholders.

Inventory WIP and FG Materials & Control

• Manage materials and packaging using FEFO (First-Expired, First-Out).
• Monitor shortages, excess, and expiring inventory to minimize waste.
• Coordinate closely with Procurement and Warehouse to ensure material readiness.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Partner with Operations, Procurement, Sales, and Warehouse teams to align priorities and resolve constraints.
• Communicate risks, delays, and schedule changes proactively.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Schedule production to prevent allergen cross-contact and ensure proper sanitation sequencing.
• Support compliance with GMP, HACCP, and SQF/BRC standards.

Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor KPIs such as schedule adherence, OTIF, downtime, and inventory health.
• Identify and drive improvements in scheduling, system usage, and material flow.

Execution Responsibilities

• Review, validate, and maintain MRP jobs (inside and outside frozen horizon).
• Firm, sequence, and align jobs in Ross ERP and PlanetTogether (PT).
• Schedules personnel strategically to maintain productivity and operational efficiency.
• Ensure schedule accuracy (Need Date vs. Schedule Date) and release jobs.
• Identify and resolve material shortages and production constraints.
• Maintain frozen horizon integrity (remove obsolete jobs, firm required orders).
• Monitor inventory (FEFO, expiring, excess) and material availability.
• Run and review key reports (Inventory, Material Requirements, Production Schedule).
• Publish and communicate the daily production schedule.
• Resolve scheduling exceptions (late/early jobs, >8-hour activities, out-of-horizon jobs).
• Address demand gaps (demand without supply) and balance inventory plans.
• Review forecast exceptions and adjust plans accordingly.
• Validate system data (missing templates, message logs, errors).
• Review upcoming 4-week schedule to ensure readiness and alignment.
• Monitor expiring and leftover inventory to support FEFO compliance.
• Review key system reports (SQL-based), including:
• Inventory by Day
• Material Requirements
• Production Schedule / Job distribution

Weekly Planning & Control Activities

• Review and resolve scheduling exceptions, including:

• Activities exceeding standard duration (>8 hours)

• Jobs outside the planning horizon

• Late or early production orders

• Demand without supply (uncovered demand)

• Validate planning master data and system integrity:

• Missing templates

• Message logs and system alerts

• Balance production vs. inventory plans (including "balance to pack").

• Review Forecast Exception Reports and adjust plans accordingly.

• Conduct forward-looking review of all jobs within the next 4-week horizon to ensure readiness and alignment.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Industrial Engineering, Food Science, or related field (preferred). High school diploma with some accredited level coursework in related discipline is required.

Experience

• 3 to 5 years in production scheduling or planning within food, beverage, or CPG manufacturing is required.

Technical Skills

• Experience with Ross ERP (preferred).
• Experience with PlanetTogether or similar APS systems (preferred).
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (PivotTables, formulas, data analysis) is required.

Regulatory Knowledge

• GMP, HACCP, and food safety standards.

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective cross-functional communication.

Preferred Qualifications

• APICS / CPIM certification.
• Experience with SQF or BRC standards.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).

Key Success Factors

• Execution Discipline: Strong daily management of MRP, schedules, and system data.
• Inventory Control: Effective FEFO management and waste reduction.
• Responsiveness: Adaptation to production and demand changes.
• Systems Expertise: Proficient use of Ross ERP and planning tools to drive accuracy and efficiency.

The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, in addition to a full range of generous medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

See's is an EOE

See's will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable local, state or federal law (including San Francisco Ordinance #131192 and Los Angeles Municipal Code 189.00).