Production Coordinator

Departments Overseen: Planning & Scheduling + CNC Programming Employment Type: Full-Time, On-Site Position Overview The Production Coordinator is responsible for overseeing all production planning, scheduling, and CNC programming activities for Grid Structures. This role ensures accurate schedules, proper job sequencing, efficient workflow through the shop, and timely CNC program creation and distribution. The Production Coordinator serves as the operational bridge between Sales, Engineering, Detailing, Purchasing, CNC Programming, and Production to keep jobs moving efficiently and support on‑time delivery. This position directly manages the CNC Programming team and ensures that programming output aligns with production priorities, machine capability, material availability, and detailed job requirements. Key Responsibilities Develop, maintain, and monitor project schedules using Tekla PowerFab and internal scheduling tools. Manage daily updates to production scheduling software, including job sequencing, routing, and release to operations. Maintain full visibility of backlog, identifying risks, bottlenecks, and schedule impacts proactively. Coordinate closely with Sales, Engineering, Detailing, and Purchasing to ensure materials, drawings, and programs are ready ahead of production needs. Distribute routine updates on project status, schedule adherence, capacity utilization, and lead‑time trends. Supervise and lead CNC Programmers responsible for generating programs for beam lines, plate lines, drills, copes, saws, and other automated equipment. Prioritize CNC programming workload based on production needs and schedule urgency. Ensure all CNC programs are accurate, timely, and compliant with fabrication requirements and machine capabilities. Implement standardization across programming—including file structure, naming conventions, revision control, and sequencing. Provide coaching, training, and performance feedback to programming staff. Coordinate resolution of programming issues with Detailing, Engineering, and Production as needed. Release Management & Shop Coordination Oversee production releases to ensure all information is accurate, complete, and ready for fabrication. Ensure drawing revisions, detailing status, material availability, and programming requirements are aligned prior to releasing work to the shop. Maintain strong communication with Production Supervisors to ensure schedule alignment and to address issues impacting throughput or delivery dates. Support the daily flow of work through the shop by optimizing sequencing and coordinating interdepartmental dependencies. Reporting & Communication Generate and distribute production, backlog, and scheduling reports to leadership. Communicate risks, delays, and constraints to stakeholders in a timely and clear manner. Work directly with the General Manager to provide data needed for forecasting, capacity planning, and lead‑time management. Refine scheduling processes, programming standards, and release workflows to increase throughput and reduce rework. Identify waste and inefficiencies in planning and programming workflows and implement corrective actions. Support cross‑functional improvement initiatives that enhance the reliability and predictability of production. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, supply chain, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered. 3+ years of experience in planning, scheduling, CNC programming leadership, or production coordination in a steel fabrication or manufacturing environment. Working knowledge of Tekla PowerFab preferred. Strong understanding of CNC programming fundamentals, file prep, detailing interfaces, and machine capabilities (beam line, drill line, plasma/oxy tables, saws, etc.). Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills. Ability to lead a team and communicate effectively across multiple departments. Experience working in fast‑paced, multi‑job fabrication environments. About Grid Structures Grid Structures, a division of Southland Steel Fabricators, specializes in fabricating steel poles and substation structures for the electric utility industry. Located in Amite, Louisiana, Grid Structures is committed to delivering high‑quality products through advanced fabrication technology, lean manufacturing practices, and a culture of safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement. #J-18808-Ljbffr