Production Scheduler

Production Scheduler

  1. What does a Production Scheduler do?
    Production Schedulers typically work in the manufacturing and mining resource extraction industries. They schedule manufacturing and other processes to both maximise efficiency for the company and meet customer requirements. The Production Scheduler analyses requirements and determines production priorities to ensure resources are available to achieve customer requirements. They ensure that production processes are always flowing smoothly and efficiently.
  2. Why does a Production Scheduler do this?
    Production Schedulers ensure that product quality, production costs and waste minimisation are central to the business and, so play a critical role in ensuring the ongoing profitability and efficiency of a business. These roles also involve team work and communication with other specialist staff who oversee the production processes. This means Production Schedulers are always interacting with people in different roles, so people skills and communication are also important.
  3. How does a Production Scheduler do their job?
    Production Schedulers use computers and a variety of mathematical methods to execute their role. Some typical tasks include:
    • Using mathematical methods such as network analysis, linear programming, stock control theory, statistical analysis and linear programming to solve real word problems;
    • Exercising judgement and creativity in adapting standard techniques to accommodate all aspects of a real problem;
    • Using a computer to process the massive data sets often required in industry settings;
    • Learning the technicalities of fields that may be entirely new, so as to understand what is really happening
  4. Where do Production Scheduler do their work
    Production Schedulers work in offices, usually located in a manufacturing plants or the divisional or head office of a company. Most Production Schedulers will work regular business hours. Travel may be involved at times if a particular site or plant visit is required.
  5. Average salary per year
    The median annual salary for this job is $57 226 excluding superannuation.
  6. Job outlook
    Over the five years to November 2017, the number of job openings is expected to grow strongly.
  7. Related occupations
    Mathematician, Statistician, Bioinformatician, Actuary, Operations Research Analyst, Accountant, Auditor and Physicist.
  8. Companies that employ Production Schedulers
    Most manufacturing and production businesses use Production Schedulers. Many Production Schedulers work in steel, mining, oil, gas, chemicals, paper and engineering, airlines, railways, banking and insurance. Not all of these people will have the formal title of Production Scheduler, and may be located in departments such as Industrial Engineering, Management Services or Corporate Research. Some major Australian employers include:
  9. Additional links