Production Planner

Production Planner Transformer ManufacturingOur client, a growing transformer manufacturing company in Raeford, NC, is seeking a highly organized and detail-driven Production Planner to support their manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for planning, scheduling, and coordinating production activities for the manufacturing of distribution transformers, pad-mounted transformers, high-voltage components, and related power equipment. As the recruiting/search firm supporting this hiring process, we are actively identifying qualified candidates with experience in production planning, manufacturing scheduling, materials coordination, ERP/MRP systems, BOM review, and cross-functional communication. The Production Planner will play a key role in aligning customer demand, material availability, labor capacity, engineering priorities, and production deadlines to ensure orders move efficiently through the manufacturing process. Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop, maintain, and update production schedules to support transformer manufacturing operations and customer delivery commitments. Coordinate daily and weekly production priorities based on open orders, material availability, labor capacity, equipment readiness, and operational needs. Review customer orders, work orders, bills of material, production requirements, and engineering information to ensure accurate planning. Partner with procurement and materials teams to confirm availability of key transformer components, including cores, coils, tanks, bushings, conductors, insulation materials, hardware, and other production materials. Monitor production progress and proactively identify risks that could impact schedule adherence, customer delivery, or plant efficiency. Communicate schedule changes, material shortages, delays, and priority shifts to production leadership, engineering, procurement, inventory, and customer-facing teams. Support planning for transformer assembly, winding, fabrication, testing, and final production stages. Work closely with engineering and quality teams to address drawing changes, specifications, rework, quality holds, and customer-specific requirements. Use ERP/MRP systems to update schedules, track work orders, review inventory levels, and maintain accurate planning data. Participate in daily production meetings and provide clear updates on schedule status, risks, shortages, and recovery plans. RequirementsMinimum 25 years of experience in production planning, manufacturing scheduling, materials planning, or operations coordination. Experience working in an industrial, equipment manufacturing, electrical equipment, metal fabrication, or advanced manufacturing environment. Strong understanding of production flow, work orders, BOMs, inventory control, material availability, and manufacturing lead times. Experience using ERP/MRP systems to manage schedules, production orders, inventory, and material requirements. Ability to work closely with production supervisors, engineering, procurement, inventory, and quality teams. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adjust priorities quickly in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Company InformationVA Coaching & Consulting Talent & HR Solutions is a professional recruiting and search firm supporting our client, a growing transformer manufacturing company located in Raeford, North Carolina. Our client operates in the power systems and advanced manufacturing industry, producing transformer-related equipment and components that support electrical infrastructure. We are currently assisting them in identifying qualified candidates for a key Production Planner role within their manufacturing operations. Preferred ExperienceExperience in transformer manufacturing, electrical equipment manufacturing, switchgear, power systems, motor/generator manufacturing, or high-voltage component production is strongly preferred. Knowledge of transformer production processes such as winding, core assembly, tank fabrication, final assembly, testing, and quality inspection is a plus. Experience with SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Epicor, Infor, NetSuite, or similar ERP/MRP systems is helpful. Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, KPI tracking, on-time delivery, and production efficiency metrics is preferred. Ideal Candidate ProfileThe ideal candidate is someone who can keep production moving, communicate clearly across departments, and stay calm when priorities shift. This person should be comfortable working directly with plant leadership, supervisors, materials, engineering, and quality teams to ensure production schedules are realistic, accurate, and aligned with customer commitments. Candidates with experience in transformers, power distribution, electrical manufacturing, switchgear, industrial equipment, metal fabrication, CNC production, or engineered-to-order manufacturing are strongly encouraged to apply. CompensationCompetitive salary based on experience and qualifications. Market-aligned pay with opportunity for growth. Why This OpportunityThis is an excellent opportunity to join a growing transformer manufacturing operation supporting the power and electrical infrastructure industry. The Production Planner will have direct visibility to plant operations and play an important role in improving scheduling, production flow, delivery performance, and cross-functional communication. Apply NowWe are actively screening and presenting qualified candidates to our client. Candidates with production planning, manufacturing scheduling, ERP/MRP, transformer, electrical equipment, or advanced manufacturing experience are encouraged to apply. Work Environment & Requirements This position is on-site and requires regular interaction with the production floor Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, moving equipment, and production operations Must be able to sit, stand, walk, and use a computer for extended periods as required by the role Additional Information This position is being recruited by a third-party recruiting partner on behalf of the client This is a direct-hire, full-time position with the client Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment screening The client is an Equal Opportunity Employer