Production, planning, and expediting clerks manage the flow of information, work, and materials within or between departments in a business according to a production schedule. They set workers’ schedules, estimate costs and keep track of materials as well as production problems in manufacturing plants.

People in this career often have a talent for active listening, reading comprehension, speaking, time management and critical thinking.

They review and distribute production, work and shipment schedules. They review documents, such as production schedules, work orders or staffing tables, to determine personnel or materials requirements or material priorities. They also arrange for delivery, assembly or distribution of supplies or parts to expedite the flow of materials and meet production schedules.

In addition, production, planning and expediting clerks confer with department supervisors to determine the progress of work and completion dates. They also compile reports on work progress, inventory levels, costs and production problems.

Most production, planning and expediting clerks have some college and have received up to a year of on-the-job training. If you're interested in this field, you can start by looking at vocational training and certificates, as well as degree programs in business operations. Some states require an occupational license to work in these careers.