How Do I Become a Production Scheduler?

A college degree may be necessary to become a production scheduler, although some employers promote from within and allow line workers to enter management roles. In addition to formal education, experience in industrial production facilities is often required for management positions. Production schedulers are responsible for coordinating all aspects of production to meet targets and keep supply chains running efficiently and effectively. They should excel at organizing, communicating, and multi-tasking.

Job applicants may have an advantage if they have a four year degree. Degrees in fields like engineering, chemistry, business, and related topics can be useful to become a production scheduler. Some companies recruit from graduates in other fields, if they appear to have a talent for organization and communication. The degree requirements can depend on the facility. Chemical refineries, for example, often want highly qualified chemists handling their scheduling, while a factory that makes children’s toys might have less restrictive requirements.

With a degree, people can apply for oversight and assistant positions to acquire skills in manufacturing facilities. The production scheduler needs experience in manufacturing in general, and sometimes on specific production lines, to do the job well. Employers may be reluctant to put a new hire in a senior position unless that person has extensive industry experience. By assisting experienced managers, people can build up resumes that they can use in applications for more prominent roles.

Another option is to start as a line worker and pursue promotions to become a production scheduler. Workers with an interest in management may want to express this at the outset. This can make employers aware that they want to stay with the company and would like mentoring and support from supervisors to grow into management roles. It may be possible to spend several years on the line working in various positions to become a production scheduler.

Once in a management role, it may be advisable to join a professional organization. These groups provide information about developments in the field, including new software, different approaches to management, and regulations that might impact production schedules. Someone who has become a production scheduler can use these tools as continuing education to stay current, which can increase the quality of their work. This can be especially useful in salary and benefits negotiations, where personnel may want to demonstrate proof of continuing improvement to back up a formal request for higher wages or more benefits.