Production Planner

Job Description:

Production Planner

Huntsman is seeking a Production Planner supporting the Advanced Materials Division located in Los Angeles, California. This position will report to the Supply Chain Manager.

Job Scope 

The Production Planner plays a critical role in balancing production capacity, raw material availability, inventory levels, and customer requirements to ensure reliable manufacturing operations and on-time delivery. This position works closely with Production, Warehouse, Customer Service, Procurement, and Corporate Supply Chain to align planning activities with business objectives while supporting Huntsman's commitment to operational excellence and Zero Harm by promoting safe, compliant, and efficient manufacturing operations.

Essential Responsibilities but not limited to:

Production Planning & Scheduling

• Develop, maintain, and execute daily and weekly production schedules based on customer demand, inventory targets, plant capacity, and material availability.
• Release and manage production orders within SAP while monitoring schedule adherence and adjusting priorities as business needs change.
• Coordinate production schedules with Production Supervisors to maximize equipment utilization and minimize downtime.
• Monitor production progress and proactively resolve scheduling conflicts that could impact customer deliveries.
• Balance production priorities while supporting safety, quality, and operational objectives.

Material Planning & MRP

• Execute Material Requirements Planning (MRP) activities to ensure timely availability of raw materials and packaging components.
• Monitor inventory levels and recommend replenishment strategies that balance customer service with inventory investment.
• Coordinate with Procurement and Corporate Supply Chain regarding material shortages, supplier constraints, and changing demand.
• Analyze planning parameters and recommend adjustments that improve inventory performance and manufacturing efficiency.
• Support new product introductions and planning changes while maintaining schedule stability.

Inventory Management & SAP Data Maintenance

• Maintain accurate planning data, material master information, planning parameters, and production-related transactions within SAP.
• Monitor inventory performance, identify potential shortages or excess inventory, and recommend corrective actions.
• Review production variances, inventory accuracy, and planning data to support informed operational decisions.
• Generate routine planning reports and analyze key performance indicators to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Ensure planning information remains accurate, timely, and aligned with business requirements.

Cross Functional Coordination & Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with Production, Warehouse, Customer Service, Procurement, Quality, and Corporate Supply Chain to support effective production execution.
• Participate in daily production meetings and communicate schedule changes and material risks.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance planning accuracy, inventory performance, and operational efficiency.
• Assist with planning process improvements, system enhancements, and standardization efforts.
• Promote effective communication and teamwork across all functional areas.

What Success Looks Like (6 to 12 Months)

• Independently develops and executes production schedules and material plans that support customer demand while minimizing production interruptions.
• Maintains accurate planning data, production orders, and planning parameters in SAP to support inventory accuracy and operational performance.
• Builds strong working relationships with Production, Warehouse, Customer Service, Procurement, and Corporate Supply Chain to ensure effective schedule execution and timely communication of production priorities.
• Proactively identifies planning risks, inventory issues, and process improvement opportunities, implementing solutions that improve schedule adherence, inventory performance, and on-time delivery.

Qualifications

You must possess the below minimum qualifications to be initially considered for this position. Preferred qualifications are in addition to the minimum requirements and are considered a plus factor in identifying top candidates. 
 
The candidate must have an unrestricted right to work for Huntsman in the United States. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field; equivalent manufacturing planning experience may be considered.
• Minimum four (4) years of hands-on production planning experience within a manufacturing plant environment.
• Experience using SAP or a comparable ERP/MRP system.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications ​

• Experience within chemical or process manufacturing.
• Experience using IBP, Power BI, SharePoint, and Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Experience working in batch manufacturing and make-to-order production environments.

Work Environment

This position is primarily based in an office environment with regular visits to manufacturing and warehouse areas. The role requires frequent walking throughout the facility, climbing stairs, and standing during production floor visits and operational meetings. Employees must wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) when entering designated manufacturing areas and be able to use a computer and standard office equipment for extended periods. While performing job duties, the employee may be exposed to typical industrial conditions, including moving equipment, noise, and varying temperatures within production areas.

What can we offer you?

Salary range $78,200-$95,000 per year.

The compensation range reflects the Company’s reasonable expectation at the time of posting, considering education, experience, and training.

Benefits:

• Competitive healthcare, dental, and vision starting Day One
• One additional week of paid time off on top of vacation
• 401k – Huntsman automatically contributes 6% of eligible pay; company will match $1 for every $1 contributed up to a maximum of 4% 

Additional Locations: