Overview

A scheduler is responsible for planning, coordinating and organizing the production schedules for manufacturing and processing facilities. Schedulers make their production schedules based on forecasted product demands, available supplies, labor availability and machine capacities. They communicate heavily with purchasing, operations, shipping and customer service departments so they can handle unforeseen problems as they arise.

What responsibilities will I have?

• Identify daily, weekly and monthly production requirements to build production schedules
• Communicate product schedules and when changes occur to management
• Review daily production reports, identify and troubleshoot problems
• Determine manpower, equipment and materials needed to cover production demand
• Redevelop schedules when issues prevent the original schedule from being completed
• Use computer software to generate reports and schedules
• Facilitate the movement of materials in and out of a processing facility
• Optimize inventory levels of raw materials, finished goods and packaging
• Assist in the development and coordination of new methods and procedures to reduce manufacturing costs
• Observe and support all safety guidelines and regulations
• Perform inventories and contact with suppliers to obtain product when required
• Investigate when there are production issues and look to prevent future recurrence of material problems
• Measure production performance against plans
• Optimize production workflow and performance

What education and training is required?

An associate or bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, agribusiness, logistics, production planning or engineering is required to be a scheduler.

To pursue a career as a Scheduler :

The following high school courses are recommended: agricultural education, business, computer skills, personal finance and mathematics.

Where can I work?

Schedulers work across industries including agricultural, animal production, seed and chemical production, food, transportation and anywhere products are manufactured.

Future Job Market / Outlook

Good

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations

• International Food and Agribusiness Management Association
• The Agribusiness Council
• Women in Agribusiness
• State agribusiness associations