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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Industrial Coordinator

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

OperationsManufacturingSupply ChainProject Management

🎯 Role Definition

An Industrial Coordinator is the operational linchpin within a manufacturing or industrial environment. This role serves as the primary liaison between management, production staff, and other key departments like engineering, quality assurance, and logistics. The core purpose of the Industrial Coordinator is to ensure that production workflows are executed efficiently, on schedule, and within budget. They are the on-the-ground problem-solvers and planners, translating strategic production goals into actionable daily tasks, monitoring progress, and mitigating any disruptions to maintain a seamless flow from raw materials to finished goods.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Production Planner / Scheduler
  • Logistics Assistant or Coordinator
  • Senior Production Operator / Team Lead

Advancement To:

  • Operations Manager
  • Production Manager
  • Senior Project Manager or Supply Chain Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Assurance Coordinator
  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Project Coordinator (in a different department)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop, maintain, and meticulously update detailed production schedules and work orders, utilizing ERP/MRP systems to ensure alignment with customer demand and material availability.
  • Actively monitor all stages of the production workflow, from material receiving to final shipment, to guarantee operations are progressing according to the established timeline and quality standards.
  • Serve as the central point of communication, facilitating seamless information flow between departments including engineering, purchasing, quality control, and the production floor to resolve issues proactively.
  • Plan and prioritize operational activities to maximize performance and efficiency while minimizing costly delays and downtime.
  • Analyze and determine the required manpower, equipment, and raw materials needed to successfully fulfill production targets and special projects.
  • Continuously track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) such as cycle times, scrap rates, and on-time delivery, preparing comprehensive reports for management review.
  • Proactively identify and address operational bottlenecks, equipment malfunctions, or material shortages as they arise, implementing swift corrective actions to minimize disruption.
  • Collaborate closely with the supply chain and procurement teams to manage the inventory of raw materials and components, preventing stockouts and overstock situations.
  • Champion and enforce compliance with all company policies, industry standards, and government regulations, particularly those related to health, safety (OSHA), and environmental protection.
  • Manage relationships with external suppliers and vendors, coordinating delivery schedules and ensuring the quality and timeliness of incoming materials.
  • Lead or actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives, applying principles of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, or Six Sigma to enhance productivity and reduce waste.
  • Oversee the accurate collection and entry of production data, including output numbers, defect rates, and labor hours, to ensure data integrity for performance analysis.
  • Coordinate with the maintenance department to schedule preventative and emergency maintenance for machinery, aiming to reduce unexpected equipment failures.
  • Assist in the financial oversight of production by tracking project costs, analyzing variances, and identifying opportunities for cost reduction.
  • Facilitate the new product introduction (NPI) process by coordinating pilot runs and ensuring a smooth transition from development to full-scale production.
  • Conduct regular physical inventory counts and cycle counts, reconciling discrepancies with system records to maintain precise inventory accuracy.
  • Prepare and submit detailed status reports, performance dashboards, and project summaries to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
  • Train and mentor production staff on new procedures, safety protocols, and the efficient use of equipment and systems.
  • Manage the logistics of finished goods, coordinating with the warehouse and shipping departments to ensure products are stored correctly and shipped on schedule.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for resolving inter-departmental inquiries and conflicts related to production scheduling, capacity, and resource allocation.

Secondary Functions

  • Support health and safety initiatives by participating in safety audits, incident investigations, and promoting a culture of safety on the floor.
  • Assist in the onboarding and hands-on training of new production team members on operational protocols and equipment usage.
  • Contribute to internal and external audit preparations by gathering necessary documentation, process evidence, and operational data.
  • Collaborate with the finance and accounting departments by providing accurate production data for cost analysis, variance reporting, and budget tracking.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • ERP/MRP Systems: Advanced proficiency in enterprise resource planning and manufacturing resource planning software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Epicor).
  • Production Planning & Scheduling: Deep understanding of developing, implementing, and managing complex production schedules and work orders.
  • MS Office Suite Mastery: Expert-level skills in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, reporting, and scheduling, along with proficiency in Word and PowerPoint.
  • Supply Chain Principles: Solid knowledge of end-to-end supply chain management, including procurement, logistics, and inventory control.
  • Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma: Practical knowledge and application of continuous improvement methodologies to optimize processes and eliminate waste.
  • Quality Control Standards: Familiarity with quality assurance principles and systems, such as ISO 9001, to ensure product conformity.
  • Inventory Management: Proven ability to manage inventory levels, conduct cycle counts, and utilize inventory management software effectively.
  • Health & Safety Regulations: Working knowledge of workplace safety standards (e.g., OSHA) and procedures within an industrial setting.
  • Data Analysis & Reporting: Capability to track, analyze, and interpret production metrics and KPIs to generate insightful reports.
  • Project Management Software: Experience with tools like MS Project, Asana, or Jira for tracking tasks, timelines, and resources.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Communication: The ability to clearly and concisely convey information, instructions, and updates to diverse audiences, from shop floor staff to senior management.
  • Systematic Problem-Solving: A logical and analytical approach to identifying the root cause of issues and developing effective, sustainable solutions under pressure.
  • Time Management & Prioritization: The skill to juggle multiple competing priorities, manage deadlines, and organize tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail to ensure accuracy in scheduling, data entry, and compliance with specifications.
  • Adaptability & Resilience: The capacity to remain calm and effective when faced with unexpected challenges, changes in production plans, or urgent requests.
  • Collaborative Teamwork: A natural ability to build strong working relationships across different departments and foster a cooperative, goal-oriented atmosphere.
  • Leadership & Influence: The ability to guide and motivate team members without direct authority, ensuring everyone is aligned with production objectives.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, or an Associate's degree combined with significant, directly related experience.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in a specialized field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Industrial Engineering
  • Operations Management
  • Business Administration
  • Supply Chain Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-7 years of experience in a coordination, planning, or supervisory role within an industrial, manufacturing, or logistics setting.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment where managing complex production schedules and cross-functional team collaboration was a primary responsibility. Experience with Lean or Six Sigma implementation is highly valued.
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