What does a Senior Production Planner do?
A production planner is responsible for the accuracy and timeliness of the production process. Duties include a specific focus on the materials and goods required in the production phase, ensuring the working space is properly maintained in order to have optimal performance. Production planners may progress to a managerial or executive position depending on the internal organization structure and industry.
A bachelor's degree is preferred by most companies when hiring a production planner with most employers expressing value in prior experience in the same position. Other technical certifications such as an American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) certification also adds value to the position with the most successful candidates having an in-depth knowledge of the industry and technical know-how. Other valuable skills include sharp analytical skills and exceptional organization and time-management abilities.
- Schedule usage of production materials to ensure optimal production levels
- Evaluate suppliers or quality, timeliness and match according to goals
- Monitor material supply flow and identify any shortages or bottlenecks in usage
- Identify and resolve problems relating to inventory
- Forecast market challenges based on competitor analysis and industry trends
- Address issues regarding quality and production
- Produce reports based on findings and performance of production
- Manage deadlines based on project expectations
- Technical certifications such as an APICS certification preferred
- Prior experience as a production planner in the industry preferred
- Good understanding of the industry market trends and conditions
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Exceptional organizational and time-management skills
- Strong regard for product quality and safety standards
- Sharp analytical and problem-solving skills
- Meticulous and diligent
- Able to sit, stand and move around for long hours at a time
How much does a Senior Production Planner make near United States?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$96,856
/ yrSenior Production Planner Career Path
Learn how to become a Senior Production Planner, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Senior Production Planner Insights

“max) increase yearly plus a good estimate of what merit (bonus) is.”
“Nice and Good to work here”

“colleagues are great and fun to work with.”

“Direct management of scheduling group was not the best executed.”

“What you get out of planning in terms of career growth solely depends on the projects your assigned.”

“Typically a good team and fun projects to work on.”

“Not the best work and life balance.”

“Not your normal 9 to 5 if that matters to tou”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Senior Production Planner
When working as a Senior Production Planner, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are Open Plan, Microsoft EXCEL, Schedules, Audit, and Microsoft Project.
- Demand Planner
- Planner
- Supply Chain Manager
- Supply Chain Specialist
The most common qualifications to become a Senior Production Planner include a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 years of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.