What is a Capacity Planner?

Material planners are crucial to the timely delivery of any project or production operation. They ensure that supplies are available when needed for the smooth production process. As a materials planner, you determine which materials are critical to a project and procure them accordingly.

Materials planners do more than just provide the necessary supplies. They also ensure that the materials meet quality standards and are procured within the project's budget. These professionals maintain this quality consistency throughout the project's duration. Materials planners may also coordinate with other departments to identify and meet needs.

They often liaise with vendors, suppliers and frequently meet with stakeholders. As a materials supplier, you may also be required to create cost estimates and performance reports.

To become a materials planner, you need a minimum of a degree in business, logistics, or related fields. You'll also need 1-2 years' experience with inventory management and purchase. Finally, employers favor professionals with great communication and problem-solving skills when hiring to fill this role.

Master Schedulers excel in the implementation of the best project management methods. They are responsible for the development, execution, and supervision of a management framework for timetables. Master Schedulers operate with a wide range of companies, from consultancy services and production departments. They normally work in an office environment or in a manufacturing plant but can travel if required.

The specific tasks of the job will focus on the master scheduler industry. General tasks include the use of lead times for manufacturing plants and past output details for scheduling, collaboration with manufacturing and material staff to ensure streamlined processes, and training on topics such as market flow for new projects. Master Schedulers can assess and decide the approximate set-up of equipment, cycle times and work center hours.

Candidates for this role must possess a bachelor's degree in business management or engineering to work as a master planner. Relevant certifications for this career include the Certified Project Management Associate offered by the Project Management Institute. The annual median salary for this role is $71,555, depending on the years of experience and size of the company.

A project planner will develop and manage schedules, goals, and objectives for projects. The planning, coordination, and monitoring of activities of assigned projects to develop and implement procedures will be done by you. In addition, you will recommend and implement modifications to improve effectiveness and attain project goals. Similarly, you will educate employees in methods to ensure project continuity and completeness while overseeing projects and risk management plans. In addition, you will make sure you keep stakeholders informed of project timelines and deadlines. Lastly, you will document the project planning processes and maintain records that can be referred to later.

A bachelor's degree in project management or a related field is required for the post of project planner. Professional certification in project management will be an added advantage for the post. You must have an in-depth knowledge of the industry's scope of projects. Excellent organizational, time-management, and communication skills are required for the post. You will earn an average of $90,966 a year.