Maintenance Planner / Scheduler

The Maintenance Planner/Scheduler is responsible for developing high-quality maintenance job plans and building realistic, executable schedules that support safe, efficient, and reliable plant operations. This role serves as the central coordination point between maintenance, operations, storeroom, engineering, and safety to ensure work is properly scoped, planned, resourced, and executed. The Planner/Scheduler uses SAP EAM data and reliability principles to reduce downtime, improve wrench time, and support continuous improvement.

Your Responsibilities: 

1. Work Identification & Scope Definition
•    Review all maintenance work orders for completeness, clarity, priority, and safety requirements.
•    Define accurate job scope by gathering technical information such as drawings, manuals, specifications, photos, and field measurements.
•    Engage requestors to clarify incomplete or vague work requests and coach them on proper work order quality.
•    Identify repeat failures and opportunities for reliability and process improvement.
•    Anticipate information gaps to prevent rework and execution delays.
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2. Job Planning & Work Package Development
•    Develop clear, detailed job plans with step-by-step instructions for safe and efficient execution.
•    Identify required trades, skill levels, and accurate labor hour estimates.
•    Ensure job plans include required tools, equipment, permits, LOTO instructions, and special precautions.
•    Standardize work execution to reduce waste, improve job consistency, and increase wrench time.
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3. Materials Planning & Coordination
•    Identify all materials and parts required for planned maintenance work.
•    Coordinate with the storeroom to ensure parts are kitted, staged, reserved, and available prior to scheduling.
•    Verify part numbers, alternates, lead times, and material availability.
•    Track parts status and update work order readiness accordingly.
•    Prevent scheduling of work without required materials.
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4. Weekly Maintenance Scheduling
•    Develop a realistic, prioritized, and level-loaded weekly maintenance schedule.
•    Collaborate with maintenance, operations, production, quality, and safety teams to align priorities.
•    Schedule work based on asset criticality, risk, planning readiness, and available labor skills.
•    Provide a complete weekly schedule package including work order lists, job plans, and materials kits.
•    Drive high schedule compliance and improved maintenance effectiveness.
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5. Daily Scheduling & Execution Support
•    Support supervisors with daily schedule execution and necessary adjustments.
•    Communicate delays, constraints, and changes promptly to affected stakeholders.
•    Update schedules in response to unplanned events or operational changes.
•    Ensure accurate work order closeout, feedback, and history documentation.
•    Maintain stability while managing dynamic priorities.
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6. SAP EAM Data Quality & System Management
•    Maintain accurate and complete SAP EAM data to support planning, scheduling, and reliability analysis.
•    Ensure proper work order statuses, job plans, task lists, parts lists, and labor estimates.
•    Audit data for accuracy, completeness, and consistency.
•    Ensure failure codes, comments, and asset data are used correctly.
•    Use SAP reports and analytics to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
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7. Communication & Cross-Functional Collaboration
•    Facilitate weekly scheduling and coordination meetings.
•    Act as a key communication link between maintenance, operations, storeroom, engineering, and leadership.
•    Coordinate planning and scheduling of external contractors and service providers, ensuring scope clarity, material readiness, permits, safety requirements and site access prior to execution
•    Communicate priorities, constraints, and schedule changes clearly and proactively.
•    Build strong working relationships with technicians, supervisors, operational partners, and external contractors.
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8. Continuous Improvement & Reliability Support
•    Track and analyze key maintenance metrics such as schedule compliance, backlog health, and PM completion.
•    Identify chronic equipment failures and collaborate with engineering and reliability teams on solutions.
•    Continuously improve job plans, materials planning, scheduling practices, and PM strategies.
•    Update and refine job plans based on technician feedback and performance results.
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9. Safety & Risk Management
•    Embed safety considerations into all job plans and scheduling decisions.
•    Identify permit, LOTO, and hazard control requirements.
•    Ensure compliance with safe work procedures and company safety standards.
•    Collaborate with safety personnel on high-risk tasks and planning-related incident investigations.

Your Profile: 

•    Associates degree in Engineering, Maintenance, or related field (preferred).
•    Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in maintenance planning and scheduling within a manufacturing environment, preferably in the food and beverage industry.
•    Proficiency in computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and maintenance planning software,  SAP preferred. 
•    Strong technical knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and/or process equipment.
•    Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
•    Ability to prioritize tasks, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines in a dynamic work environment.
•    Knowledge of safety regulations and best practices in maintenance operations.

We offer: 
•    Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans to support you and your family
•    Paid Parental Leave –Maternity and Paternity Leave so you can focus on what matters most 
•    401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match – Plan for your future with company-supported retirement savings
•    Paid Time Off – Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with PTO and 11 Paid Holidays
•    Employee Engagement – Join our Engagement Team for fun events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to connect with colleagues across the company
•    Döhler Academy: You have the opportunity to continuously develop your education further through internal and external training programs
•    Supportive Culture – Friendly and informal atmosphere, family-owned, flat hierarchies, open communication, and helpful colleagues
•    Meaningful Impact – Be an integral part of our business success and help shape the future of nutrition
•    Empowerment – Unleash your full potential with opportunities to grow, lead, and make a real difference