Purpose of Role:

The primary role of the Maintenance Planner Scheduler is to improve equipment reliability while minimizing conversion costs. This is accomplished through sound planning practices, which include efficient utilization of labor, parts, materials, and outside vendor services. The planner/scheduler is responsible for the planning and scheduling of all maintenance activities performed in the area to which the planner/scheduler is assigned. The planner/ scheduler maintains liaisons and coordination between maintenance and other departments; maintains appropriate records and files to permit meaningful analysis for reporting on the effectiveness of the maintenance planning and scheduling and its impact on the business. Analyze maintenance performance and recommends actions to improve performance Principal Accountabilities

1. The planner/scheduler is the principal contact and liaison person between the maintenance department and the plant departments served by maintenance. The planner/scheduler ensures the operations area, to which the planner/scheduler is assigned, receives prompt, efficient, and quality service from the maintenance department. The planner/scheduler ensures the maintenance department is given the opportunity to provide this service.

2. The planner/scheduler receives all work orders from the requesting associates, except for unplanned (breakdown) work. Unplanned work is requested of the appropriate on-shift maintenance technician.

3. Reviews and assures work orders are properly filled out: a. Work scope clearly described b. Check if the priority and requested completion dates are realistic and provide practical lead-time. c. Charge numbers and other coding are complete and accurate d. Authorization is proper e. Discusses the details with the originator of the work order.

4. Assures that work requested is needed. If the business value of the request is questioned and not readily resolved, the work order will be reviewed with operations and the maintenance manager. This includes generating rough cost estimates and potential cost-saving estimates.

5. Reviews with maintenance manager those work orders requiring engineering design.

6. Examines jobs to be done and determines the best way to accomplish the work. Consults with the requester, area manager, or maintenance manager when necessary.

7. Identifies and obtains necessary materials, work instructions, manuals, appropriate tools, etc. to execute the planned work order.

8. Evaluate options to accomplish work to determine least-cost alternatives.

9. Planner/scheduler should have complete knowledge of each department’s activities in order to effectively and efficiently schedule work orders in their area of responsibility.

10. Reviews the estimate of the current day’s schedule status and forecast of associate availability on a daily basis to determine if rescheduling is required.

11. Plans and schedules preventive maintenance work in coordination with operations and maintenance managers.

12. If work is contracted to an outside vendor, the planner/scheduler assures the scope and cost of the work is clearly defined, purchase orders are approved, and equipment will be available for the work performed. Additionally, the planner will assure the contractor personnel adhere to Mars contractor rules and regulations.

13. Analyzes maintenance performance metrics such as accuracy of work plan estimates (time, labor, and materials), percent work orders awaiting scheduling, schedule compliance, overtime, contracted maintenance costs and overdue work orders, and returned work orders in order to improve work planning. Reviews analysis and recommended corrective action with the maintenance manager.

14. Performs other tasks and special assignments as requested by the maintenance manager.

Key Functional Skills/Knowledge

1. The planner/scheduler must be proficient with in-house software, such as ManMan, MIS II, Word processing software, spreadsheet software, electronic mail, etc.

2. A high level of planning and organizing skills are required to be proficient in the position. Ability to manage multiple tasks and multiple priorities simultaneously.

3. Strong equipment and operational knowledge is necessary. Have adequate craft knowledge to estimate labor hours and materials to visualize the job to be performed.

4. Able to read blueprints and shop drawings.

5. The planner/scheduler must react quickly to changes in requirements based on their understanding of priorities.

6. Orientation and commitment to customer service.

7. High-level interpersonal skills are required to negotiate and persuade.

8. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to create sketches to clarify work order instructions. Skills to conduct meetings.

9. Analytical and troubleshooting skills.

10. Ability to understand budgets, cost estimating, and value to business.

Key Experiences

3+ years of manufacturing experience in a technical capacity in maintenance controls, electrical or mechanical. BS in engineering or sciences could be substituted for work experience.

Desired Education

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent and one of the following:

1. Successful completion of a certified maintenance apprentice program.

2. Successful completion of a 2 year Associate Degree program in an electrical/mechanical career field.

3. Equivalent training/experience in a technical career field. Decision Making Authority and Impact

 The planner/scheduler makes decisions concerning equipment maintenance; screening work orders, planning how to accomplish work orders evaluating least-cost options with minimum risks to product quality, consumer safety, and associate safety; and parts procurement, and determines work priority based on the business and production associated risks. Planner/Scheduler works with a team of associates to determine plant schedules for production and maintenance that best meets business needs.  Following maintenance manager guidelines, the planner/scheduler determines the effective utilization of vendors to perform equipment repairs.  There are no direct reports to this position, but coordination of associates and vendors is required In addition the planner/scheduler is accountable for the following: Maximizing production system availability; the cost of downtime could exceed $10,000 per shift. o Planning and scheduling the maintenance for production assets (valued $20 - $50MM), facilitating the efficient use of labor (annual budget $1 – $3MM), contractor services (annual budget $250K - $1MM), and parts ($100K – $400K).

About Mars:
Mars is a family-owned business with more than $35 billion in global sales. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5â„¢, SKITTLES®, BEN’S ORIGINAL® and COCOAVIA®. Alongside our consumer brands, we proudly take care of half of the world’s pets through our nutrition, health and services businesses such as Banfield Pet Hospitalsâ„¢, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, AniCura, VCAâ„¢ and Pet Partnersâ„¢. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our 130,000 Associates into taking action every day towards creating the world we want tomorrow.

Disclaimer:
Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.​​​​​​​

Note to Search Firms/Agencies:
Mars, Incorporated and its subsidiaries and affiliates (Mars) do not compensate search firms for unsolicited assistance unless they have a written search agreement with Mars and the requisition is position-specific.  Any resumes, curriculum vitae, and other unsolicited assistance from search firms that do not have a written search agreement or position-specific requisition submitted to any Associate of Mars will be deemed the sole property of Mars and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Mars.