Dairy Manufacturing Planner

Dairy Manufacturing Planner

Role Focus:

The Butter Planner/Purchaser plays a critical role in ensuring smooth and efficient butter production operations.

Reporting directly to the Operations Manager, this position bridges procurement, production planning, inventory management, and cross-departmental communication.

The role is responsible for maintaining product quality, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting strategic initiatives that contribute to overall business success.

Salary: $61, 360 - $92, 040 In most cases, candidates offered employment can expect to be hired at a pay rate near the middle of our salary range.

Shift: 8:00AM - 5:00PM Monday - Friday.

Availability for weekend and holiday coverage as needed.

On occasion On-call duty for urgent operational needs may be required.

Key Responsibilities:

Production Planning & Scheduling


* Develop, maintain, and communicate daily and weekly butter production schedules aligned with customer demand, inventory targets, and corporate objectives.


* Translate forecasts and customer orders into short- and long-term production plans while balancing capacity, labor, materials, and equipment constraints.


* Monitor schedule adherence, track KPIs (attainment, utilization, changeover efficiency), and adjust plans to address disruptions and improve performance.

Inventory & Materials Management


* Monitor butter, raw material, packaging, wrap, and remelt inventory levels to prevent shortages and overages.


* Conduct routine packaging quality and inventory checks; coordinate with procurement and production to resolve issues and maintain supply continuity.


* Support cream supply strategy planning to align with production requirements.

Order & System Management


* Manage butter orders, confirm details, communicate updates, and accurately enter production work orders into the system.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Reporting


* Participate in daily production and maintenance meetings to support operational alignment.


* Partner with operations, supply chain, quality, maintenance, logistics, and plant leadership to ensure seamless execution.


* Provide corporate planning updates, maintain USDA regulatory documentation, and serve as backup for powder planning during PTO.


* Maintain clear communication and adapt proactively to changing demand and operational conditions.

Desired Competencies and Skills


* Strategic Planning: Ability to anticipate needs, plan resources, and align with business objectives.


* Decision-Making: Confidently make informed decisions under pressure.


* Deadline Management: Consistently meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities.


* Detail Orientation: High attention to detail in data entry, reporting, and compliance tasks.


* Results Orientation: Focused on achieving outcomes and driving continuous improvement.


* Change Management: Support and drive change initiatives within the department.


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