Expert Production Scheduler - Germantown, WI

Job Title: Expert Production Scheduler
Location: Germantown, WI

We are looking for an experienced Expert Production Scheduler who has operated in high‑complexity, highly constrained manufacturing environments, where one wrong sequencing decision can impact service, quality, or plant stability. This is not a standard production scheduling role. This role sits at the center of short‑term execution and requires sound judgement, strong system mastery (SAP / OMP), and real factory influence. You will be expected to make difficult trade‑off decisions, protect schedule integrity under pressure, and balance assertiveness with flexibility in a low‑tolerance operating environment.

Your Key Responsibilities:

• 1) Advanced Short‑Term Finite Scheduling

Convert supply plans into fully executable daily and weekly schedules for production and tolling operations.
Integrate all constraints: capacity, equipment availability, cleaning/changeover matrix, QA/QC timing, and maintenance windows.
Maintain an optimized schedule that maximizes line efficiency and minimizes disruptions.
Actively identify conflicts and propose feasible alternative scenarios—not just execute system outputs.
Continuously evaluate schedule performance and stability, adjusting rapidly to deviations.
This role requires making trade‑off decisions when no perfect solution exists, balancing competing constraints while protecting overall schedule integrity.

2) Material Availability & Readiness

Ensure all raw materials, intermediates, packaging, and critical components are available for execution.
Work proactively with procurement and warehouse to avoid shortages or delays.
Escalate risks early and provide mitigation or re‑sequencing options.

3) Inventory Management

Monitor finished goods, intermediates, and raw material inventory levels.
Align production and replenishment decisions with inventory policies (safety stock, reorder points, min/max levels).
Support MRB (Material Review Board) and slow/obsolete inventory management activities.

4) Supply Risk Management

Identify supply constraints or bottlenecks (capacity, materials, logistics, tolling delays).
Escalate risks and implement contingency plans to protect customer service and continuity of supply.

5) Customer Service & Order Support

Support customer service and sales teams during backorder reviews and allocation decisions.
Communicate supply risks proactively to internal stakeholders.
Provide realistic Available‑to‑Promise (ATP) dates based on supply constraints and schedule feasibility.

6) Influential Cross‑Functional Coordination

Act as the central communication bridge between Planning and Operations (Production, QA/QC, Warehouse, Maintenance, Procurement, Customer Care).
Demonstrate judgement in stakeholder management:

Assertive and firm when priorities must be protected.
Flexible and collaborative when rapid adjustments are needed.

Drive alignment in daily/weekly operational meetings.
The Scheduler is the owner of short‑term execution decisions and is expected to stand behind priorities, escalations, and outcomes.

8) System & Master Data Expertise

Maintain accurate SAP/OMP data, including planning parameters and scheduling inputs.
Utilize advanced system features for scenario analysis and constraint‑based scheduling.
Build and maintain reporting dashboards to enhance visibility and planning accuracy.

9) KPI Tracking & Continuous Improvement

Track and enhance key performance measures: OTIF, supply plan adherence, inventory accuracy, material availability, schedule stability.
Conduct root-cause analysis for schedule misses or supply issues.
Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives to improve scheduling efficiency and reduce firefighting.

We Offer:

• A strong sense of accountability – you take initiative, speak up, and see things through. You are responsible and focus on what matters.

• An innovator’s instinct – you’re always looking for better, smarter, more sustainable ways to make an impact.

• Curiosity and an open mind - because you believe progress starts with asking, “Is there a better way?”

• A collaborative spirit – you’re at your best when working across teams, functions and countries.
• A focus on unity - with stakeholders and customers.

• A competitive compensation package – with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.

You Bring:
• High School Diploma and a minimum of 5 years of experience in production scheduling or finite scheduling experience in manufacturing.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Supply Chain, Operations, Industrial Engineering, or related.

•. 4–7 years of production scheduling or finite scheduling experience in manufacturing.

• Experience in biotech/food/chemical high complexity environments strongly preferred.
•. Proven ability to manage scheduling in heavily constrained, low tolerance settings.
• Demonstrated ownership and ability to independently run the short-term scheduling process.
• Strong knowledge of SAP and/or OMP; not beginner level.

•. High proficiency in Excel and planning analytics.
• Solid understanding of batch production, changeovers, cleaning cycles, QA release, and capacity modeling.
• Exceptional attention to detail with low error tolerance.

• Strong communication and stakeholder management—able to push back constructively.

• High resilience and ability to operate under frequent changes.

• Analytical, structured, and proactive problem solver.

• Demonstrated bias for action and ownership mindset.

The salary scale provided reflects the pay range dsm-firmenich expects to pay the successful candidate for the position. Individual pay offered will be based on the applicant’s job-related skills, experience, relevant education, or training, and primary work location. The salary range is $99,999 to $101,400.

In addition to base salary, we also offer a comprehensive total rewards package, inclusive of annual incentive pay, a retirement savings plan, health care coverage, paid time off, recognition programs and a broad range of other benefits. All benefits and incentives are subject to eligibility requirements.

About dsm-firmenich:

At dsm-firmenich, we don’t just meet expectations – we go beyond them.

Join our global team powered by science, creativity, and a shared purpose: to bring progress to life.

From elevating health to making fortified food and sustainable skincare, the impact of your work here will be felt by millions – every single day. Whether it’s fragrance that helps you focus, alternative meat that’s better for the planet, or reducing sugar without losing flavor, this is where you help shape the future of nutrition, health, and beauty for everyone, everywhere.

And while you’re making a difference, we’ll make sure you’re growing too. With learning that never stops, a culture that lifts you up and the freedom to move across businesses, teams, and borders. Your voice matters here. And your ideas? They’re essential to our future.

Because real progress only happens when we go beyond, together.

Inclusion, belonging and equal opportunity statement:
At dsm-firmenich, we believe being a force for good starts with the way we treat each other. When people feel supported, included, and free to be themselves, they do their best work – and that’s exactly the kind of culture we’re building. A place where opportunity is truly equal, authenticity is celebrated, and everyone has the chance to grow, contribute, and feel they belong.

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we’re serious about making our hiring process as fair and inclusive as possible. From inclusive language and diverse interview panels to thoughtful sourcing, we’re committed to reflecting the world we serve.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds — no matter your gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you, you.

And if you have a disability or need any support through the application process, we’re here to help – just let us know what you need, and we’ll do everything we can to make it work.

Agency statement:

We’re managing this search directly at dsm-firmenich. If you’re applying as an individual, we’d love to hear from you. We’re not accepting agency submissions or proposals involving fees or commissions for this role.