AAI/Spalding - Production Planner

Position Summary

AAI/Spalding is a leading sports equipment manufacturer located in Jefferson, Iowa and part of Fruit of the Loom, an independent, wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. 

We currently have an opening for a Production Planner. This position is esponsible for providing reports, evaluating capacity, and creating schedules to maximize production efficiencies and to meet forecast or customer demand.  Works closely with other departments to analyze inventory, review raw material requirements, release work orders for custom orders and to fill production capacity, advise on staffing adjustment needs, and adjust scheduling to meet updated forecasting.  Responsible for ensuring that production plans are executed and aids in resolving any issues quickly.  Must clearly communicate plans and potential shortages to multiple departments across the organization.

As the official supplier to USA Gymnastics, NCAA, YMCA National Gymnastics Championships, and a partner of the Federation Internationale De Gymnastique (FIG), AAI is committed to advancing the sport through grassroots initiatives and a legacy of quality, service, and innovation.

Spalding, the world’s largest basketball equipment supplier and official backstop supplier of the NCAA, brings its renowned excellence to volleyball with premium products designed for high school, collegiate, and professional athletes.

Specific Responsibilities

Continuous improvement and daily preparation of production schedules and capacity plans. Track/monitor daily execution of production requirements and ensure adequate inventory levels are achieved based on backlog and forecast.

Interact daily with production teams and other key personnel to execute plans, adjust priorities as needed, and collaborate on contingencies to overcome barriers.  Lead production team meetings as required.

Adjust work order due dates (slide/accelerate) to fill production capacity and meet customer needs.  Provide improvement opportunities to management such as staffing needs to ensure goals are achieved.

Manage, support, and provide backup to buyer/s. Issue purchase orders, adjust safety stocks, shop for favorable pricing, and ensure vendors accomplish agreed upon ship dates.

Collaborate with accounting and inventory control personnel to confirm accuracy of daily reporting data, inventory, and to ensure adequate work order volume is released in all areas for efficiency. Communicate to customer service and other team members as needed on lead time/scheduling changes.

Work with engineering to discuss any barriers or complexities that could jeopardize the rollout of new product/s. Report any raw material stocking levels, work orders, and staffing that falls short of meeting customer demand.

Work with the team to identify work order issues and aid in making corrections (coding, run size, incorrect prints/bills of material, etc.) to ensure proper production timing and flow. Back up and support inventory control positions as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, a related field, or equivalent experience preferred.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to positively influence peers.
• Strong math and analytical skills.
• Ability to make sound and timely decisions in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Leadership skills; ability to direct, motivate and coordinate the work of others.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel); ERP or scheduling software knowledge is a plus.

Minimum Job Experience Required

• 3+ years of production planning, supply chain, manufacturing operations, or related work experience
• Experience developing production schedules and coordinating cross-functional activities