Job Description:

The Master Production Planner at AAON plays a critical role in aligning production schedules with customer demand, inventory levels, and operational capacity. This position ensures efficient material flow and optimal resource utilization across manufacturing operations. The planner collaborates with cross-functional teams to maintain high service levels while minimizing costs and delays. Success in this role requires strategic thinking, strong analytical skills, and a deep understanding of manufacturing processes.

Primary Duties

The Master Production Planner is responsible for developing and maintaining the master production schedule to meet customer requirements and internal goals. This includes analyzing demand forecasts, inventory levels, and capacity constraints to create executable plans. The role works closely with procurement, engineering, operations, and sales to ensure alignment across departments. The planner monitors performance metrics and adjusts schedules as needed to respond to changes in demand or supply disruptions.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Creating and maintaining a rolling production schedule based on sales forecasts and inventory targets.

• Coordinating with supply chain and procurement teams to ensure timely availability of materials.

• Identifying and resolving scheduling conflicts and capacity constraints.

• Monitoring production progress and adjusting plans to meet delivery commitments.

• Collaborating with engineering and operations to support new product introductions and process changes.

• Utilizing ERP and planning systems to manage data and generate reports.

• Driving continuous improvement initiatives related to planning accuracy and efficiency.

• Communicating effectively with stakeholders to provide updates and resolve issues.

• This role includes supervisory responsibilities, including overseeing team members’ performance and providing guidance as needed.

Job Requirements

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field and at least 7 years of progressive experience in supply chain, operations, or project management; or any combination of education and experience that provides an equivalent background.

Preferred: APICS CPIM or CSCP certification; Master’s degree in Operations or related discipline.
 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Requires:

• Strong understanding of manufacturing planning, scheduling, and inventory control principles.

• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar) and advanced Excel skills.

• Ability to analyze complex data sets and make informed decisions.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

• Strong communication and collaboration abilities across departments. · Knowledge of HVAC manufacturing processes and product lifecycle.

• Experience with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies or any combination of education and experience, which would provide an equivalent background.

Essential Mental and Physical Functions:

This role requires sustained attention to detail, analytical thinking, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. The planner must be able to interpret data, solve problems, and communicate effectively with diverse teams.

Essential functions include:

• Sitting or standing for extended periods while working at a computer.

• Occasional walking through manufacturing areas to assess production status.

• Ability to handle stress and adapt to changing priorities.

• Visual acuity for reviewing schedules, reports, and system data.

Work Environment:

The Master Production Planner typically works in an office setting within a manufacturing facility. The role may require occasional visits to production areas, which may involve exposure to noise, temperature variations, and moving machinery. Safety protocols must be followed at all times.

Disclaimer:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at a time with or without notice. This job description is not an exhaustive list of all functions that the employee may be required to perform, and the employee may be required to perform additional functions. The company reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily. If requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, absent undue hardship.