Job Details

Department:

Production

Location:

Ice Cream Plant

City:

Jerome

State/Territory:

Idaho

Reports to:

Ice Cream Plant Manager

Employment status:

Full time

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Shifts:

Day Shift

# of openings:

1

SHIFT:

• Days, Monday - Friday. Subject to change according to business needs.

BENEFITS:

• We are delighted to offer a comprehensive benefits package that encompasses Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Supplemental Insurance, Vacation, Holiday Pay, Personal Time Off (PTO), and a 401(k) plan with a company match. Eligibility and waiting periods may apply.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Demand Planner - Ice Cream and Powder Blending is responsible for developing and executing accurate production forecasts and schedules for the Ice Cream and Powder Blending Plant. This role ensures alignment between customer demand, inventory levels, and manufacturing capacity. The planner collaborates cross-functionally with Sales, Operations, R&D, and Procurement to optimize production efficiency, reduce waste, and meet service level targets.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Demand Planning & Forecasting

• Develop rolling forecasts for ice cream and powder blending SKUs based on historical data, market trends, and customer input.
• Collaborate with Sales and Business Development to incorporate promotional activity, seasonal demand, and new product launches.
• Maintain forecast accuracy metrics and continuously improve planning models.

Production Scheduling

• Translate demand forecasts into executable production schedules for both ice cream and powder blending lines.
• Balance labor, equipment, and material constraints to optimize throughput and minimize changeovers.
• Coordinate with Operations to adjust schedules in response to unplanned downtime or supply disruptions.

Inventory Management

• Monitor raw material and finished goods inventory levels to ensure availability while minimizing excess.
• Work with Procurement to align material deliveries with production needs.
• Support inventory reconciliation and reporting for cream, powder, and inclusions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with R&D and QA to ensure production plans accommodate trials, reformulations, and quality holds.
• Liaise with Maintenance and Engineering to plan around equipment availability and preventive maintenance.
• Participate in S&OP meetings and provide data-driven insights to support strategic decisions.

Systems & Reporting

• Utilize ERP and planning software (e.g., Power BI, SAP, Oracle) to manage forecasts, schedules, and inventory.
• Generate weekly and monthly reports on forecast accuracy, production attainment, and inventory health.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to planning and scheduling.

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS/QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Food Science, or related field.

Experience:

• 3+ years of experience in production planning or demand forecasting, preferably in food manufacturing.
• Experience with dairy, ice cream, or powder blending operations is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Excel, ERP systems, and planning tools.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with GMP, HACCP, and food safety standards.

Work Environment:

• Office-based with regular interaction in production areas. Exposure to cold storage, powder blending zones, and high-decibel environments. PPE required when on the plant floor.

Physical Requirements:

• Subject to up to at least 92db's.
• Lifting: up to 20 lbs. occasionally
• Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, on a regular basis.
• Reaching: Extending hands and arms in any direction.
• Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist occasionally.
• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities that must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.

If you are excited about this opportunity, we invite you to apply by visiting our website at www.idahomilkproducts.com