Production Control Specialist

Overview

Responsible for assisting with all functions of the Production Control department. Ensure customer requirements and manufacturing needs are met through Toyota Production System philosophy.

• Ensure on‑time customer shipments and address all customer concerns.
• Negotiate customer orders based on component availability, machine capacity, and purchasing agreements.
• Work from customer forecast to establish a master schedule and adjust production schedules accordingly.
• Coordinate and monitor production plans to ensure materials are provided according to schedules.
• Monitor all short shipments.
• Collaborate with management and engineering to understand and advise on short‑term and long‑term capacities, minimizing past‑due orders and unnecessary capital investments.
• Track flow of material from planned/production orders through sales order shipment to customers.
• Use the Kanban system to maintain lean inventory levels and JIT.
• Perform cycle counts or visual management of finished goods inventory.
• Create, enter, and maintain part information for new and current customers.
• Enter and maintain customer releases.
• Calculate and enter any special or unusual production requirements to support the sales forecast.
• Maintain all shipping documentation per TS16949.
• Learn, implement, and teach TPS manufacturing techniques to all PC members.
• Collect and summarize data for reporting to management.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Manufacturing, Engineering, or a related field required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certified Forklift Operator.

• Entry to 4 years of relevant manufacturing experience required.
• Automotive environment preferred.
• Experience with Toyota launch systems and requirements preferred.
• Previous exposure to a multicultural office environment preferred.

• Basic shop math ability (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) required.
• Understanding of conceptual math (e.g., basic geometry, charts and graphs) required.
• Understanding of elementary statistical concepts (standard deviation, variance, etc.) required.
• Thorough understanding and working knowledge of automotive plants and processes, company products, trade terminology, quality management and control systems, manufacturing processes, tooling, equipment, and machine operation.
• Ability to read, interpret, and understand engineering documents such as automotive drawings, technical standards, design specifications, general tolerances, critical characteristics, GD&T, ECI, PPR, and color instructions.
• General understanding of Toyota Production System (TPS) preferred.
• Good understanding of seat, welding, door, carpet, and headliner processes is a plus.
• Effective time‑management skills.
• Capacity to work in a team environment.
• Strong organization and planning skills.
• Excellent critical‑thinking skills required.
• Hands‑on, self‑starter with a strong work ethic.
• Active listener with effective communication skills.
• Ability to perform responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, multicultural environment.
• Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.
• Ability to remain on call to control abnormal conditions.
• Ability to be flexible in a constantly changing production environment.
• Ability to communicate and work well with all levels of the organization.
• Ability to create excellent working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Must be able to work a fixed or rotating shift schedule, including daily or weekend overtime.
• Ability to multitask, manage diversity, and facilitate effective problem solving and resolution.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.

• Solid working knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office and other computer‑based applications (e.g., MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, Lotus Notes/Outlook, Internet).
• Experience with MRP and EDI systems.

Office:
Open office environment with moderate noise level.
Plant:
Standard automotive plant environment with moderate noise level. PPE such as safety glasses, steel‑toe shoes, hearing protection, etc., may be required in…