Production Planner

Job Summary:

As the Production Planner, your primary responsibility will be to oversee the execution of production plans, monitoring production process to identify and address any issues that arise, resolving issues, and adjusting production schedules as needed to ensure proper analytical quality of feed mix and efficient resources are available on-site.  This includes (but is not limited to): actively steering inventories, improving service levels, reducing costs, and identifying operational growth opportunities by monitoring assigned responsibilities of local production planning of Aurubis Richmond. The successful candidate will have a strong background in production planning, experience in budgeting and forecasting a production schedule, knowledge in software utilization and data management, proven expertise in working in a fast-paced environment and a focus on safety and environmental topics. In addition, the successful candidate possesses a combination of technical and analytical skills, can continuously prioritize, and shines in a challenging environment.

The position's focus is on optimizing the production process to meet demand while minimizing costs and ensuring quality and safety. The Production Planner plays a critical role in coordinating the supply chain management production planning schedule with the different departments and stakeholders to ensure that the production process is running smoothly, and that the organization can meet its business objectives. In addition, the goal is to ensure that production processes in Aurubis Richmond are efficient, effective, and aligned with the organization's goals and objectives. The coordinator is responsible for monitoring and adjusting production plans, optimizing the feedmix, coordinating with the commercial team to ensure that raw materials are available, monitoring production output, and ensuring that all stakeholders are informed and aligned with production schedules.

Qualifications:

REQUIRED

• Minimum of 3 years practical experience in related production planning, inventory control or data analyzation.
• Proven work experience in manufacturing field involving production planning, forecasting, budgeting, and software implementation.
• Previous experience creating and presenting to various levels including relevant stakeholders and external partners.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP) and product flows.
• Experience with production planning software systems (MES or similar)
• Must be able to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or board of directors.
• Strong computer skills (business system, email, Microsoft Office Suite).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (esp. Outlook, Excel, Word)
• If filled with an internal current employee of Aurubis, individual must be willing to relocate to the US for a minimum of three (3) years with a possibility of extension upon approval, if needed.
• Must be conversant in current DOT and OSHA regulations.
• Good in conducting data analysis and reporting statistics.
• Demonstrated ability to work in and through teams at all levels of the workforce
• Knowledge of lean/process improvement methodologies

PREFERRED

• Possess an understanding of chemical or metallurgical (production) processes and requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret prints, drawings, and layouts.
• Experience with a start-up of a plant is beneficial.

SPECIAL SOFT SKILLS NEEDED

• Individual must thrive in a fast-paced environment in which he/she must be strategic yet tactical.
• Able to speak persuasively in positive or negative situations.
• Ability to portray customer, business, and solution focused leadership.
• Exhibits a strong work ethic – willing to do what it takes to get the job done.
• Proven commitment to change and continuous improvement.
• Exceptional communication skills – includes listening, speaking, etc. to effectively communicate targets and goals to his/her team.
• Must possess the ability to receive and give constructive feedback.
• Capability to clearly present information and obtain others’ buy-ins.
• Must possess analytical and problem-solving ability, with affinity for resourcefulness, and self-driven entrepreneurial style.
• Proven ability to motivate colleagues and stakeholders.
• The ability to act decisively and solve problems in terms of production planning requirements.
• Possess a mindset that embraces challenge and change. 
• Passion for metals in general and for projects results in specific as well as clear willingness for self-development.
• Willingness to travel and flexibility.
• Must be able to exchange ideas and expectations in a productive manner.
• Ability to promote win-win outcomes in the workplace

Education Required

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in a related (SCM, Operations Management, Metallurgy, Process Engineering, Chemistry, Business) or 3+ years of equivalent advanced work as production planning coordinator, inventory controller and/or related field, including military experience.
• Open to obtaining additional certification at the company’s request.

Physical Requirements

• Varying periods of time sitting at a desk and working on a computer – some may be prolonged periods.
• Must be able to perform the following: walking, standing, climbing, pulling, and or pushing, carrying, grasping, using hand-to-finger movement, balancing, reaching, twisting, turning, and stooping for most of every day. 
• May occasionally be required to reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Ability to walk and/or stand for extended periods of time.
• Good physical condition with the ability to lift to 50 lbs. occasionally.
• Good hand/eye coordination, motor skills, 20/20 corrected vision and hearing within the normal range. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• There will be prolonged periods of standing and walking in the plant daily.
• Ability to travel throughout facility as required to conduct safety inspections.
• Ability to respond quickly and efficiently to all safety needs on the floor or in the office areas.
• Must wear all required PPE when in protected areas.
• Willing to some (overnight) travel domestically and/or internationally. Must wear all required PPE when in protected areas.
• Willing to some (overnight) travel domestically and/or internationally.