Master schedulers are manufacturing professionals responsible for overseeing all stages of a supply chain, the steps that of production that begin with the moment materials are ordered to produce items and end with the moment when items are delivered to retailers and consumers. Individuals in master scheduler positions often work for large organizations and create processes from which companies can benefit in the long term. To become a master scheduler, it is essential that you earn a high school diploma. Most employers require that job candidates also have undergraduate degrees, though some also accept equivalent work experience as a substitute.
To become a master scheduler, it is essential that you have a strong background in the manufacturing industry. While it might not be necessary to have experience in all facets of a manufacturing process, you should have experience in fields such as inventory management, employee management, and purchasing. You should also be comfortable learning new kinds of computer programs. In some cases, you might be required to participate in introducing new software solutions that contribute to more efficient streamlining between vendors, manufacturers, and retailers or consumers.
A person who would like to become a master scheduler should be an excellent problem solver. It is essential that you can work with a number of different variables and create plans that are flexible enough for changing technologies and markets, yet stable enough that all parties can be sure that manufacturing processes occur in a timely manner. Master scheduler roles appeal to people who are able think ahead and create detailed, effective strategies that they are able to follow.
The ability to negotiate is a skill that you must have if you want to become a master scheduler. These professionals typically are responsible for communicating with suppliers, which means that they must negotiate contracts that determine how much services cost and how often deliveries are made. Likewise, master schedulers must negotiate with representatives from different facets of a manufacturing company to ensure that all departments end up with reasonable time frames for completing work.
A person who would like to become a master scheduler must also be comfortable communicating with high level professionals, such as those at the executive level, including individuals such as the vice president of a corporation. Master schedulers are accountable for the overall success of a manufacturing supply chain, which means that they must present their ideas to top officials before implementing new schedules. They also must make presentations that show how successful new master schedules are and how they can be improved.