Operations Planner, FCC

Job Description

Grace is seeking an Operations Planner to join our FCC (Fluid Catalytic Cracking) Catalyst Manufacturing unit team! This role reports to the Operations Manager located at our Baltimore/Curtis Bay, MD Plant, working a 9/80 schedule.

Also known as Production Schedulers, Production Planners, or Material Planners, MRP (Material Requirements Planning) Planners are responsible for developing daily and weekly production schedules to ensure production deadlines are met. This role involves determining material, equipment, and labor requirements, preparing status and performance reports, and resolving production schedule-related issues. Success in this position looks like maintaining efficient production processes, minimizing delays, and ensuring timely product delivery, all while collaborating closely with various departments. Additionally, the Operations Planner will support safety initiatives, assist with troubleshooting, and conduct training activities.

The Curtis Bay plant, located in Baltimore, Maryland, is W. R. Grace’s largest manufacturing site. Operational since the early 1900s, this facility spans approximately 260 acres and employs around 700 people. The plant produces a variety of chemical products, including fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts, hydroprocessing catalysts, polyolefin catalysts, and silicas. These products are essential in industries such as fuel, plastics, food, beverages, biofuels, coatings, and pharmaceuticals.

Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and manage production schedules to meet business demands by working with maintenance, engineering, and supervisors, incorporating plant grade changes, shutdowns, and startups.
• Evaluate purchase orders and create suitable production schedules based on material availability and production capacity.
• Estimate the required materials, equipment, and labor to support efficient production processes.
• Monitor inventory levels, assist with month-end inventory reconciliation, and ensure materials are consistent with production schedules.
• Address and resolve production issues promptly to minimize delays and disruptions, coordinating production operations in alignment with material, labor, and equipment availability.
• Recommend solutions to reduce production costs, improve processes, and enhance product quality.
• Adjust production schedules as needed to meet changing demands and deadlines such as maintenance outages.
• Prepare and submit status and performance reports to management regularly, communicating schedule changes effectively to relevant departments.
• Manage inventory levels, track production volumes, and monitor customer demand patterns and purchasing trends.
• Coordinate with internal departments and external stakeholders to ensure timely product delivery, ensuring materials meet quality standards, specifications, and cost-efficiency targets.

Physical Requirements and Environment

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent considered with equivalent work experience
• At least 3 years of professional experience in a supply chain role, demonstrating a solid understanding of supply chain processes and best practices.
• Proven proficiency in ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems, with a strong preference for experience using SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products) for MRP (Material Requirements Planning).
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, including the ability to create complex spreadsheets, use advanced formulas, and generate detailed reports.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Management, or a related field.
• Certified in Production and Inventory Management (APICS CPIM) or other relevant certifications (e.g., APICS CSCP - Certified Supply Chain Professional).
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with both corporate and management teams, as well as the warehouse and production workforce.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively across functions and manage multiple priorities.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance and Disability
• Grace Wellness Program
• Flexible Workplace
• Retirement Plans 
• 401(k) Company Match – Dollar to dollar up to the first 6%
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Company Donation Match Program
• U.S. Employee Benefits Summary (grace.com)

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