Production Scheduler

Production Scheduler

For more than 115 years, Ferrara has created sugar confections that enable moments of sweetness, celebration, and connection for candy lovers of all generations. Today, the company is the #1 sugar confectioner in the United States. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of nearly 9,000 employees creating and delivering hundreds of products sold under 20 popular brands like Brach's, NERDS, SweeTARTS, Laffy Taffy, and Trolli to more than 66 million U.S. households annually and popular Dori snacking products under brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100 in Brazil. Additionally, Jelly Belly, known world-wide for its confections, was acquired in November of 2023.

Work Location : Forest Park

Forest Park, Il

Due to the highly interactive and team-based nature of this role, in-person attendance for most of the workweek (i.e., 3 days or more) is essential for : effective communication including during in-person meetings, strong supervision, real-time problem-solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives.

Want to Make an Impact?

The Production Scheduler is responsible for developing and maintaining short-term production schedules. This schedule aligns with the available resources including production lines, materials, and labor. The role requires strategic collaboration with production teams, factory leaders, and cross-functional partners to support cost reduction and optimal inventory levels. The Production Scheduler should have excellent communication skills, the ability to collaborate cross-functionally, and knowledge of SAP to complete necessary production orders.

Ways You Will Make a Difference

Act as the first line of contact for plant production managers to provide insight of order prioritization and requirements

• Create a production plan within the detailed scheduling period by shift, considering capacity, labor, and materials while optimizing factory costs
• Collaborate with factory teams to identify potential issues that may cause production disruptions and communicate potential issues to leaders, providing recommended solutions
• Utilize SAP during production scheduling and capacity planning to determine the optimal schedule for cost and service
• Complete the detailed schedule for next week's production to ensure that assets are optimized (minimal changeover time) and orders across make and pack assets are linked together
• Update necessary production orders in SAP to reflect any changes required
• Update production order completion dates daily to account for deviations in actual vs. planned production; communicate to factory any in-week adjustments requested by Supply Planning
• Verify that all components are available both in network as well as in the factory or in transit from another site in order to execute the weekly published production schedule
• Coordinate consolidation of attainment and adherence comments to ensure they are complete and at the correct level of detail (appropriate root cause analysis)
• Inform Supply Planning of deviations in production schedule due to unforeseen circumstances (asset breakdown, labor constraints, material shortages, etc.) and manage potential impacts to the schedule
• Engage in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance costs and efficiencies throughout manufacturing and planning processes
• Schedule new product trials and understand results of trials for future production requirements

Schedule demands based on Production Plan requirements and Plant Capacity (daily, weekly or monthly)

Analyze data (e.g., materials availability, inventory levels, production rates, delivery timelines)

Anticipate and resolve scheduling conflicts

Ensure accuracy in scheduling and documentation

Track every detail of production to avoid bottlenecks

Communicate changes or delays to stakeholders clearly and promptly

Work closely with cross-functional teams (engineering, purchasing, quality control)

Be able to work on a rotation

Skills That Will Make You Successful

High attention to detail

Strong organizational and time management abilities

Proficient at completing technical filings

Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities

Strong communication and collaboration skills and the ability to interact with all levels within the factory

Experiences That Will Support Your Success

High School diploma or GED

Minimum 2-3 years experience in a manufacturing environment

Experience working in production scheduling, material handling, and / or supply chain management

Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement principles and processes

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

Years experience requirement

SAP experience preferred

What We Offer

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $68,625 to $96,075 annually.

Equal Opportunity

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.

Nearest Major Market : Chicago