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If you’ve searched for a “Production Planner job description,” you’ve probably come across a dozen dry, copy-paste posts online. You know the ones—bulleted responsibilities, vague qualifications, and a robotic tone that sounds like it was written by an outdated HR system.
But here’s the problem: templates like that don’t attract great candidates.
They attract whoever’s applying to everything—not the person who’ll actually help you coordinate production schedules, reduce bottlenecks, and keep your operations running on time.
So in this guide, we’re going beyond generic templates. We’ll walk you through what a great Production Planner job post actually looks like—one that gets the attention of reliable, detail-oriented planners who love bringing order to chaos.
Before we get into examples, if you haven’t already, check out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/. It walks through everything you need to know—from structure to tone to candidate psychology.
Ready to write a job post that doesn’t just fill the role, but finds the right person for it? Let’s get started.
Hiring doesn’t have to be hard.
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
What the Production Planner Role Actually Entails
So, what does a Production Planner actually do?
In simple terms: a Production Planner is the person who makes sure your production process runs smoothly, efficiently, and on schedule. They’re the air traffic controller of your operations—juggling timelines, materials, resources, and priorities to make sure everything gets delivered on time, without wasting money or causing delays.
But the best Production Planners aren’t just task managers. They think in systems. They can spot bottlenecks before they become problems. And they’re constantly coordinating with purchasing, manufacturing, logistics, and sometimes even sales—to keep your operations moving like clockwork.
That’s why hiring the right person for this role matters so much. You’re not just hiring someone to follow a checklist. You’re hiring someone who can prevent chaos, keep your production calendar on track, and help the entire business run more predictably.
Two Great Production Planner Job Description Templates
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced Line Cook with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.”
✅ Option 1: Experienced Production Planner Job Description
(Culture-First Style)
📌 Job Title: Production Planner for Sterling Manufacturing (Full-Time | Hybrid | $55k–$70k/year)
🎥 A Quick Message from Our Operations Manager
Want to hear directly from your future manager about what we’re building and why this role matters?
👉 [Insert Loom video or YouTube link here]
👋 Who We Are
Sterling Manufacturing is a fast-growing precision parts manufacturer based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For over a decade, we’ve partnered with aerospace, automotive, and medical companies to produce high-tolerance components with zero compromise on quality.
As we expand, we’re doubling down on operational excellence—and that’s where you come in.
🏗️ About Our Company Culture
We’re not your typical manufacturing floor. We run lean, value smart decision-making, and believe every team member should understand how their role connects to the bigger picture. You’ll work with engineers, floor supervisors, and leadership—because we believe production planning isn’t back-office work. It’s business-critical.
You’ll also love this if:
- You prefer ownership over micromanagement
- You enjoy improving systems, not just following them
- You want your voice to matter in operational decisions
🎯 What You’ll Be Doing
Your mission is simple: keep production on time, every time. You’ll coordinate schedules, manage material requirements, and align production plans with inventory, demand forecasts, and lead times.
Day to day, you’ll:
- Build and maintain production schedules for CNC and injection molding departments
- Collaborate with purchasing and warehouse to ensure timely material availability
- React to schedule changes, customer orders, and last-minute bottlenecks
- Track work orders and monitor production KPIs
- Work in our ERP (JobBOSS²) and Excel to forecast labor and capacity
🔍 What We’re Looking For
- 3+ years experience in production planning or supply chain coordination
- Comfortable with ERP software and advanced Excel functions
- Strong analytical and communication skills
- Lean manufacturing experience is a plus
💡 Why This Role Matters
Every delay costs money. Every misalignment costs trust. As our Production Planner, you’ll be the keystone holding everything together behind the scenes—ensuring we deliver quality parts on time, every time.
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- Salary: $55k–$70k depending on experience
- Hybrid schedule available after onboarding
- Health, dental, vision (starting Day 1)
- 2 weeks paid vacation + 5 flex days
- Monthly lunch & learns and continuous training budget
- Pathway to Production Manager or Plant Ops Lead
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to evaluate applicants based on skills—not just resumes. Click the link below to complete a short, fair evaluation. We review every application and respond to all candidates.
👉 [Insert WorkScreen application link]
✅ Option 2: Job Description for Entry-Level Production Planner
(Willing to Train | Culture-First Style)
📌 Job Title: Junior Production Planner at Sterling Manufacturing (Entry-Level | Full-Time | $20–$25/hr)
🎥 A Note From Our Team Lead
Want to know who you’ll be working with? Watch this 2-minute intro from Carlos, our Planning Lead, sharing what we’re looking for and how we support new hires.
👉 [Insert Loom video or YouTube link here]
👋 Who We Are
Sterling Manufacturing is a Michigan-based company that produces precision metal parts for industries that can’t afford to get it wrong—like aerospace and medical. We’re known for tight tolerances, fast turnarounds, and a no-BS work culture that values results.
We believe that great production teams aren’t born—they’re trained. That’s why we’re hiring a Junior Planner we can coach, mentor, and grow into a high-impact team member.
🏗️ About Our Company Culture
We operate like a startup—inside a factory. That means:
- Fast-moving decisions
- Real-time problem-solving
- And lots of opportunity to grow if you’re hungry to learn
You’ll be joining a team that values people over process and progress over perfection. We’ll train you, support you, and help you step into a high-responsibility role without the red tape of big corporations.
🎯 What You’ll Be Doing
We’ll teach you how to:
- Update daily production schedules
- Coordinate material movement with the warehouse team
- Communicate with team leads to ensure daily priorities are met
- Track open orders and monitor production progress
- Learn JobBOSS² and other planning software tools
👀 What We’re Looking For
- Detail-oriented and organized
- Comfortable with spreadsheets and digital tools
- Strong communicator who likes to solve problems
- Prior experience in logistics, warehouse, admin, or support roles is a bonus (not required)
🚀 Why This Role Matters
Without a solid production plan, even the best machines sit idle. You’ll be the person keeping us proactive instead of reactive—making a big impact even as you’re learning the ropes.
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- Starting rate: $20–$25/hr
- Full training provided—no experience required
- Health and dental after 90 days
- Up to 40 hours paid time off + 5 flex days
- Monthly learning budget + team recognition rewards
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to ensure fair hiring for every applicant. Click below to complete a short, role-relevant evaluation. We respond to every applicant and provide clear next steps.
👉 [Insert WorkScreen application link]
Don’t let bad hires slow you down.
WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Breakdown of Why These Production Planner Job Posts Work
Let’s break down why these Production Planner job descriptions are effective—and how they differ from the generic templates you’ll find online.
✅ 1. The Job Title Is Clear, Human, and Specific
Instead of saying “Production Planner,” we clarify who it’s for, where it’s based, and sometimes, what level of experience is expected:
- “Production Planner for Sterling Manufacturing”
- “Junior Production Planner at Sterling Manufacturing (Willing to Train)”
This instantly filters the right audience and signals: this job is real, thoughtful, and made for someone like you.
✅ 2. The Intro Sets the Scene and Explains the “Why”
Each job post starts with a message from the hiring manager or team lead (video link). This:
- Builds trust and transparency
- Gives the post personality and voice
- Humanizes the hiring process right from the start
Instead of launching into a list of tasks, we start by saying: “Here’s who we are, and here’s why this role matters.”
✅ 3. The “Who We Are” Section Adds Depth
Rather than using a corporate blurb, these job posts explain what the company actually does—plus why it matters. This creates relevance and excitement for mission-driven candidates.
Example:
“Sterling Manufacturing is a precision parts manufacturer for industries that can’t afford to get it wrong.”
That’s far more compelling than “Sterling is a manufacturing company established in 2005…”
✅ 4. Company Culture Is Made Tangible
We don’t just say “we value collaboration.” We show it:
- Fast-moving decisions
- Real-time problem solving
- Growth opportunities without red tape
These concrete examples help applicants imagine themselves in the work environment—and self-select based on fit.
✅ 5. The Role Description Focuses on Impact, Not Just Tasks
Each task is tied to a bigger purpose:
“Keep production on time, every time.”
“Help us deliver quality parts on time, every time.”
This approach shows candidates the why behind the job—not just what they’ll do, but what their work will achieve.
✅ 6. The Requirements Are Realistic and Inclusive
In the junior version, we clarify that some experience is “nice to have, not must-have.” That opens the door for talented people who may not have formal credentials but are still a great fit.
In the experienced version, we ask for what truly matters—ERP experience, planning skills, and communication—not just degrees or years in the field.
✅ 7. Salary and Benefits Are Transparent
Both job posts include:
- Pay range
- Time-off policies
- Perks like training budgets, health insurance, and flexible scheduling
This builds trust and helps reduce wasted applications from misaligned candidates.
✅ 8. The Hiring Process Is Respectful and Modern
We tell applicants:
“We use WorkScreen to evaluate based on skills, not resumes.”
“We respond to every application.”
This flips the script from “apply and wait in the dark” to: “We respect your time—and we’re evaluating fairly.”
✅ 9. The Tone Is Conversational, Not Corporate
Throughout the posts, we use a human voice:
- “We’ll teach you how to…”
- “Want to hear from your future manager?”
- “We don’t believe in ghosting applicants.”
This tone connects emotionally, builds rapport, and encourages the right kind of candidates to lean in.
Example of a Bad Production Planner Job Description (And Why it Fails)
(And Why It Fails to Attract Great Candidates)
Here’s what a typical outdated job post looks like—and exactly why it misses the mark:
❌ Bad Job Post Example:
Job Title: Production Planner
Company: XYZ Manufacturing
Location: Columbus, OH
Type: Full-Time
Salary: Not disclosed
Deadline: Rolling
Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly organized Production Planner to oversee and coordinate production schedules. The ideal candidate will ensure timely manufacturing and workflow in accordance with company policies and procedures.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain production schedules
- Ensure adequate inventory and materials are available
- Coordinate with departments to ensure production targets are met
- Review forecasts and adjust schedules accordingly
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, or related field
- 3–5 years of experience in production planning
- Familiarity with MRP systems
- Strong communication and time management skills
How to Apply:
Please submit your resume and cover letter to hr@xyzmanufacturing.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
🛑 Why This Job Post Falls Flat
🔍 Problem | 💥 Why It’s a Red Flag |
Generic Job Title | Just “Production Planner” with no context. It doesn’t tell you the industry, experience level, or anything compelling. |
Cold, Impersonal Intro | Starts with “We are seeking…” and offers no reason why the company or role should matter to the candidate. |
No Company Context or Mission | There’s no “About Us” section. Candidates don’t know what XYZ Manufacturing does, what kind of products they make, or why their work matters. |
Missing Culture and Values | No insight into how the team works, what the environment is like, or what kind of mindset thrives here. |
Zero Salary or Perks | Hiding pay ranges discourages high-quality applicants. The lack of any benefits info makes it seem like an afterthought. |
Broad, Vague Responsibilities | These could apply to any planning job in any industry. They don’t show impact or connect to real business goals. |
Dismissive Hiring Process | “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” sends the message: don’t expect to hear back unless you’re lucky. |
No Personality in the CTA | The call to action is robotic and uninspiring. No sense of warmth or invitation—it feels like a chore to apply. |
This kind of post might attract some applicants—but not the ones who truly care about doing great work in a high-impact operations role. And certainly not the kind of planners who want to join a team where their work is valued, respected, and connected to a bigger mission.
Bonus Tips That Make Your Job Post Stand Out
Once you’ve got the structure and tone right, these small but powerful enhancements can take your job description from “good” to “irresistible.”
✨ Tip 1: Add a Video Message
A short video from the hiring manager or team lead helps your post stand out in a sea of faceless listings. It:
- Builds trust
- Puts a face to the name
- Makes your company feel human
Even a simple Loom or smartphone video saying, “Hi, I’m Jake, and here’s what we’re looking for…” can make a massive difference.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
✨ Tip 2: Include a Candidate-Centric Security Notice
Let candidates know your process is safe, professional, and scam-free. For example:
🔒 Important Notice: We care about your privacy. We will never ask for payment, personal banking details, or sensitive identity information during the hiring process.
This builds trust—especially with candidates wary of online scams.
✨ Tip 3: Mention Paid Leave or Flex Time
Most job posts ignore this, but it’s something candidates truly care about. You can say:
“Enjoy up to 2 weeks paid vacation and 5 flex days to recharge and reset.”
It signals that you care about your team’s well-being, not just productivity.
✨ Tip 4: Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
Whether you’re hiring a seasoned pro or someone green, growth matters. Try language like:
“We offer mentorship and continuous training to help you step into senior roles over time.”
This makes your job post appealing to ambitious candidates looking for a future, not just a job.
✨ Tip 5: Showcase Real Voices
Add a testimonial, quote, or Glassdoor review from a current team member. Example:
“It’s the first place I’ve worked where operations and planning actually feel respected. You’re not just pushing papers—you’re solving real problems.” – Alyssa, Production Scheduler
That little human touch can go a long way.
These bonus tips signal professionalism, empathy, and thoughtfulness—all traits that the best candidates notice.
Should You Use AI to Write Job Descriptions?
We get it—AI tools like ChatGPT, Workable’s job post generator, and even built-in ATS features make it tempting to create a job description in seconds. But here’s the truth:
Relying on AI without context leads to generic, low-quality job posts that fail to connect with real people.
❌ Why You Shouldn’t Let AI Write Your Job Post From Scratch
If you type something like:
“Write a job post for a production planner at a manufacturing company.”
You’ll get something that:
- Feels robotic and impersonal
- Lacks your company’s voice, mission, and values
- Fails to connect with mission-driven candidates
- Sounds just like everyone else’s job post
The result? You attract candidates applying to everything—not the right person for your team.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI: Give It Real Context
AI works best as a refiner, not a replacement.
Start by writing a rough draft using:
- Your company’s actual mission
- The real impact of the role
- Your team culture
- Your values, perks, and tone
- Who you’re actually trying to hire
Then prompt AI like this:
“Help me write a production planner job post for Sterling Manufacturing, a precision parts manufacturer in Michigan. We’re hiring someone to manage CNC and injection molding schedules. Our team is lean, fast-moving, and values clarity, ownership, and accountability. Here’s what I’ve written so far: [paste your notes]. Please improve the tone and clarity but keep the human, mission-driven style.”
That way, AI becomes a co-writer—not the author of a lifeless, copy-paste template.
🛠️ Quick AI Prompt Template
Here’s one you can reuse for any role:
“Write a job post for [Job Title] at [Company Name]. The company makes [Products/Services] and is based in [Location]. Our values are [list values]. The tone should be [friendly, inclusive, growth-minded, etc.]. We’re looking for someone with [list must-haves], and here’s what they’ll do: [list tasks]. Include salary info, perks, and a strong call to action. Use this draft to guide the rewrite: [paste draft].”
Used well, AI saves time. But used blindly, it costs you quality applicants
Smart Hiring Starts Here
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
Copy-Paste Job Description Templates (for Quick Use)
We know—sometimes you just need to get a job post up fast. Maybe you’ve already read this guide and understand what makes a job description great. But you also want a ready-to-use starting point you can customize in a few minutes.
That’s what this section is for.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual kitchen.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Conversational, Culture-First Template
📌 Job Title: Production Planner at [Company name]
Location: [enter location]
Type: Full-Time/remote
Salary : $xx–$xx/year+bonus
🎥 Video Intro: [Insert Loom or YouTube link from hiring manager]
Who We Are
[Company name] is a precision parts manufacturer in [location]. We work with aerospace and medical industries to deliver high-tolerance components—fast, and without compromise. Our mission is simple: deliver quality parts on time, every time—and treat people with respect along the way.
What You’ll Be Doing
You’ll manage daily production schedules, work cross-functionally with purchasing and operations, and make sure parts move from planning to production without bottlenecks. You’ll keep things moving—accurately and on time.
What We’re Looking For
- 3+ years in production planning or supply chain
- ERP experience (JobBOSS² a plus)
- Great with Excel, timelines, and logistics
- Strong communicator who thrives in fast-paced settings
Why You’ll Love Working With Us
At [company name], we don’t just care about the work—we care about how it gets done. You’ll love it here if:
- You want to work on a tight-knit team where people have each other’s backs
- You value autonomy and want to own your role
- You enjoy solving real problems, not just filling out reports
- You’re looking for a place where your ideas are heard and your impact is visible
We’re not corporate—we’re clear, fast, and real. And we invest in the people who make our operations run.
Perks & Pay
- $55k–$70k salary
- Hybrid work options
- Medical, dental, vision (starts Day 1)
- PTO + 5 flex days
- Monthly learning budget and clear growth paths
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to evaluate fairly. Complete a short skills test so we can focus on what you can do, not just what your résumé says.
👉 [Insert WorkScreen link]
✅ Option 2: Structured Format (with “About the Company” added)
Job Title: Junior Production Planner
Location:[enter location]
Type: Full-Time/remote
Salary: $xx–$xx/hr
Experience Level: Entry-level (we train!)
About the Company
[company name] is a family-owned parts manufacturer serving the [location] for over 12 years. We specialize in producing small-batch, high-precision components for the aerospace, defense, and medical sectors. Our team is known for getting things done with speed, accuracy, and a collaborative attitude. We’re growing fast and believe in developing talent from within—especially in roles like this one.
Job Brief
We’re looking for a detail-oriented Junior Production Planner to help us manage production timelines and inventory coordination. You’ll work alongside our operations team to keep manufacturing flowing on schedule.
Responsibilities
- Assist in creating daily and weekly production schedules
- Update order statuses in ERP
- Monitor material levels and flag shortages
- Communicate with floor supervisors to track output
- Support logistics and purchasing teams
Requirements
- Organized and detail-oriented
- Good with numbers and digital tools
- Excellent communicator
- Prior warehouse or operations experience is a plus—but not required
Benefits
- $20–$25/hr starting pay
- Training provided
- Health and dental coverage after 90 days
- Paid time off and flex days
- Growth into senior planning or logistics roles
How to Apply
Use our WorkScreen link to apply. We reply to every applicant and prioritize skill, not just experience.
👉 [Insert WorkScreen link]
Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Step
✅ What Happens After You Publish Your Job Post?
You’ve put in the work to create a job description that actually speaks to the right candidate. But writing the post is just step one.
Now, it’s time to find out who actually fits the role.
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
🛠️ WorkScreen Helps You:
✅ Identify Your Most Promising Candidates—Fast
No more guesswork. WorkScreen automatically evaluates every applicant based on real skills, not just résumés—then ranks them on a performance-based leaderboard.
You instantly see who can actually do the job, not just who looks good on paper.
✅ Run One-Click Skill Tests
Assess candidates using real-world tasks relevant to the role—whether it’s building a schedule, analyzing capacity, or identifying delays.
You’ll finally have data to back your hiring decisions.
✅ Eliminate Low-Effort Applicants
Tired of copy-paste cover letters, one-click applicants, or AI-generated résumés?
WorkScreen filters them out—so you only engage with people who are genuinely interested and willing to show what they can do.
💡 Hiring Right Isn’t Just About Filling a Role. It’s About Protecting Your Time.
WorkScreen helps you hire smarter, faster, and more confidently—without drowning in unqualified applications.
👉 Sign up now at WorkScreen.io to start evaluating candidates in minutes.
Production Planner Job Description - FAQ
In the U.S., the average salary for a Production Planner ranges between $55,000 and $75,000 per year, depending on industry, location, and experience level.
- Entry-level planners or those in smaller manufacturing operations typically earn $20–$25/hour.
- Mid-to-senior planners with ERP experience and cross-functional responsibilities often earn between $65,000 and $85,000.
- In high-cost cities or specialized industries (like aerospace or medical manufacturing), top-tier planners can make $90,000+.
Outside of technical skills like ERP proficiency and Excel mastery, the best production planners are:
- Strong communicators (they coordinate across departments daily)
- Problem-solvers (they anticipate bottlenecks)
- Detail-oriented and proactive
- Comfortable with fast-paced environments
Able to prioritize under pressure
Not always. Many skilled planners start in operations, warehousing, or logistics and grow into the role through experience.
While some companies prefer a degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, or Engineering, hands-on experience with planning software and workflows can matter more than formal education.
Look for:
- On-time delivery rates improving
- Fewer bottlenecks or last-minute material issues
- Better coordination between departments
- Stronger forecasting accuracy
- And a general sense that production is “calmer” and more predictable
If you’re still dealing with last-minute chaos daily, your planning process (or hire) might need a second look.
Common industries include:
- Manufacturing (metal, plastics, electronics, textiles)
- Aerospace and defense
- Medical device production
- Automotive
- Consumer goods and packaging
- Food and beverage
Each may prioritize different tools or planning systems, so tailoring your job post to your niche matters.
