Production Planner

Manage the intricate flow of manufacturing.

As a Production Planner, your strategic thinking transforms raw materials into finished products with precision and efficiency.

Production Planners are the strategic minds behind manufacturing operations, ensuring that production processes run smoothly, efficiently, and on schedule. They play a critical role in balancing customer demand with production capabilities, optimising resource allocation, and minimising costs.

These professionals contribute significantly to their company’s bottom line by streamlining operations, reducing waste, and improving overall productivity. Their work impacts not just the manufacturing floor, but also influences inventory management, supply chain logistics, and customer satisfaction.

A typical day for a Production Planner might involve analysing production data, creating and adjusting schedules, coordinating with various departments including procurement, manufacturing, and logistics, and troubleshooting any issues that could disrupt the production flow. They utilise sophisticated software tools for demand forecasting, resource planning, and scheduling, while also relying on their analytical and communication skills to make informed decisions and keep all stakeholders aligned.

Your role may include duties as follows: 

  1. Develop and maintain production schedules based on demand forecasts and capacity
  2. Coordinate with suppliers, production teams, and logistics to ensure smooth operations
  3. Monitor inventory levels and plan material requirements
  4. Analyse production data to identify inefficiencies and propose improvements
  5. Collaborate with sales and customer service to align production with customer needs

Becoming a Production Planner typically requires a combination of education and experience in manufacturing or supply chain management. While entry-level positions may be available with a relevant certificate or diploma, many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree for more senior roles. Here’s a pathway to this career:

  1. Complete a diploma in supply chain management or operations
  2. Gain experience in manufacturing, inventory management, or logistics
  3. Pursue a bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, or industrial engineering
  4. Continuously update skills in production planning software and methodologies
Also Known As:
  • Manufacturing Scheduler
  • Operations Coordinator
  • Supply Chain Planner
  • Production Coordinator
A Quick Look
Key Skills:

Skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a production planner include:

  • Analytical skills
  • Communication
  • Data analysis
  • Problem solving
  • Time management
Values & Attributes:

Values and attributes of anyone considering a job as a production planner include:

  • Organised
  • Proactive
  • Attention to detail
  • Adaptable
  • Team Player
  • Conventional – “Organiser”
Recommended School Subjects:
  • Design
  • Engineering
  • Engineering Skills
  • Industrial Graphics Skills
Core School Subjects:
  • General Mathematics
  • Essential English
  • Business
  • Business studies

Salary Expectations

The expected salary for a Production Planner can vary across different areas of manufacturing and may vary as you become more experienced.

Low
$70,000
Median
$85,000
High
$105,000

Vocational education can provide a solid foundation for a career in production planning. Relevant qualifications include:

  • Certificate IV in Supply Chain Operations (TLI40324)
  • Diploma of Logistics (TLI50224)
  • Diploma of Engineering – Planning (MEM50722)
  • Advanced Diploma of Supply Chain Management (TLI60222)

These qualifications cover various aspects of supply chain management, logistics, and operations planning. Additional short courses in specific planning methodologies or software systems can further enhance career prospects.

While not always required for entry-level positions, a bachelor’s degree can be beneficial for career advancement in production planning. Relevant degree programs include Bachelor of Business (Supply Chain and Logistics Management) or Bachelor of Applied Science (Operations and Supply Chain Management). These programs provide a comprehensive understanding of business operations, supply chain dynamics, and advanced planning techniques. For those aiming for senior management roles, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on operations management can be particularly valuable, offering a blend of strategic business knowledge and specialised operational expertise.

Career progression

In this role, you may have the opportunity to progress to other positions. Career progression opportunities include:

Explore the general manufacturing and engineering

The general manufacturing and engineering industry is a diverse and dynamic area that forms the backbone of the country’s industrial capabilities. From precision components to large-scale machinery, this industry encompasses a wide range of activities that drive innovation, productivity, and economic growth across multiple sectors of the economy.

General manufacturing and engineering industry