Buyer/Planner

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Production Planning & Scheduling Responsibilities 

• Develop and maintain production plans based on forecasts, customer demand, inventory levels, capacity constraints, and business requirements using ERP and planning systems. 

• Monitor actual production performance against the Master Production Plan and adjust schedules as needed to address changing priorities, demand fluctuations, material availability, and production constraints. 

• Review and distribute production, work, and shipment schedules while communicating schedule changes and priorities to manufacturing and cross-functional teams. 

• Monitor the flow of materials and finished goods throughout the production process, expediting shop orders as necessary to meet customer and production requirements. 

• Serve as the primary liaison between Production, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Shipping, Customer Service, and other departments to ensure effective communication and execution of production plans. 

• Track and report production progress, inventory levels, schedule attainment, costs, and operational issues; proactively identify gaps and implement corrective actions. 

• Review production reports, open orders, and schedule variances daily to ensure alignment with operational and customer needs.  

• Assemble and maintain manufacturing routers and related production documentation 

• Act as the key contact for production and materials teams, tracking shop orders from release through completion. 

• Maintain ERP master data, including production planning and material-related information. 

• Work closely with Manufacturing, Materials, and Purchasing teams to ensure material availability and efficient order flow throughout the facility. 

Direct Materials Responsibilities 

• Plan and procure raw materials to support production requirements while maintaining established inventory targets. 

• Issue and manage purchase orders for direct materials, including vendor follow-up and order book management. 

• Monitor supplier deliveries and resolve material shortages to minimize production disruptions and expedite costs. 

• Manage excess, slow-moving, and non-moving inventory by identifying and recommending corrective actions. 

• Monitor inventory performance and recommend actions to optimize inventory investment and material availability. 

JOB REQUIREMENTS: 

EDUCATION:  

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Mgmt; Business Mgmt; or equivalent. APICS certification is preferred. 

• And/Or minimum of 5 years Materials/Manufacturing experience.  

EXPERIENCE:  

• Minimum of 1-2 years of inventory management and/or materials planning experience. 

• Background in master scheduling, forecasting, procurement and planning. 

REQUIREMENTS:  

• Experience in manufacturing, automotive preferred. 

• Strong computer, analytical, problem solving, and communications skills. 

• Skilled in basic computer software (word processing, spreadsheets, SAP). 

• Must be well-organized, detail oriented, and have excellent oral and written communications skills. 

• Forward thinking skills and ability to troubleshoot constraints. 

• Ability to maintain composure in fast paced work environment. 

• Strong Excel skills. 

• An ability to relate well to a variety of work styles and work in a team-based organization environment; a work style that develops rapport, listens, builds constructive and effective relationships, uses diplomacy and tact, commands immediate credibility by being not only knowledgeable in technical subject matters, but also by treating people with respect 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

• Ability to sit frequently for extended periods of time. 

• Ability to move about the plant in both the office and manufacturing areas. 

• Ability to travel occasionally. 

• Manual dexterity for computer work. 

• Ability to communicate in an effective manner. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  

• Office environment – includes, but not limited to, artificial lighting, computers, telephones, desks, temperature controlled. 

• Manufacturing environment – includes, but not limited to, artificial lighting, machine/equipment noise, some welding exhaust, non-controlled temperatures, and PPE required. 

• Some travel may be required 

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.