Production Planner- Coordinator at Kendall Howard in Chisago City, MN

Production Planner- Coordinator

Full Time · Location: Chisago City, MN, US

About Company:

What began as an idea in the spring of 2000 has shaped and changed the way companies and installers look at IT furniture, server racks, and rack accessories. With a commitment to exceeding our customer's expectations we began by listening to what installers, IT managers, and network engineers were saying about racks and IT furniture. Rather than doing it the way everyone else does, we charted a path to manufacture more functional, cost effective, innovative products and solutions that keep up with evolving technology and compete with the flood of imported products. Some people wondered if it could be done. After all, racks and IT furniture are only a small component of your IT infrastructure. At Kendall Howard, we consistently prove that you actually can have the best product, with the best customer service, at the best price.

Kendall Howard’s mission has always been to find a better way for our customers, our industry, and ourselves. We do this through a simple saying to our customers, “The answer is yes, now what’s the question?” The fundamental idea of being agile enough to be able to do whatever it is our customer needs ensures that we will always succeed and flourish.

Why Kendall Howard?

We’re a growing manufacturer serving the IT infrastructure field, with a no-nonsense attitude: stay humble, work hard, and take on challenges head-first. Around here, you won’t just “do your job” — you’ll be part of a team that builds, solves, and delivers products we’re proud to put our name on. The benefits and pay are solid, but the real perk is being part of something that matters alongside people who care just as much as you do.

Our Benefits

We know benefits matter, and we’ve got you covered. Full-time employees enjoy:

• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
• Supplemental insurance options
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid holidays
• Online apparel store

About the Role:

The Production Planner-Coordinator plays a critical role in ensuring the seamless execution of manufacturing schedules to meet customer demands and optimize resource utilization. This position is responsible for developing, maintaining, and adjusting production plans based on real-time data, inventory levels, and supply chain constraints. The role requires close collaboration with procurement, manufacturing, quality assurance, and logistics teams to synchronize activities and resolve any production bottlenecks. By effectively coordinating production schedules, the planner ensures timely delivery of products while minimizing costs and maintaining high-quality standards. Ultimately, this role drives operational efficiency and supports the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or supply chain coordination within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in production planning software and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Excellent communication skills to collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Certification in APICS CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management) or equivalent.
• Familiarity with data analysis tools and techniques to support decision-making.
• Previous experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with complex production processes.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain detailed production schedules aligned with demand forecasts and inventory availability.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams including procurement, manufacturing, and logistics to ensure materials and resources are available for production runs.
• Monitor production progress and adjust plans proactively to address delays, equipment issues, or supply shortages.
• Analyze production data and key performance indicators to identify opportunities for process improvements and cost reductions.
• Communicate production status and potential risks to management and stakeholders to facilitate informed decision-making.

Skills:

The required skills enable the Production Planner-Coordinator to create accurate and efficient production schedules by analyzing demand forecasts and inventory data. Strong communication skills are essential for coordinating with multiple departments to ensure alignment and timely resolution of issues. Proficiency in production planning software and ERP systems allows the planner to track progress and make data-driven adjustments in real time. Organizational skills help manage multiple production lines and deadlines simultaneously, ensuring smooth operations. Preferred skills such as knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and certification in production management further enhance the ability to optimize processes and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Kendall Howard provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, or disability. We are dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities.