Responsible for planning and purchasing materials to support on-time production and delivery.
Job Description
Production Planner / Purchaser
Position Summary
The Production Planner / Purchaser works closely with suppliers, operations, engineering, and sales, to ensure inventory levels are optimized, lead times are met, and costs are controlled. Ideal candidates are proactive, analytical, and able to thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
- Plan and release production work orders based on sales demand, forecasts, and inventory levels
- Issue purchase orders to suppliers for raw materials, components, and MRO items
- Coordinate logistics to ensure on-time, in-full delivery; proactively address quality issues with vendors and ensure RMAs are processed for defective materials
- Monitor and maintain the integrity of inventory levels through oversight of receiving processes and cycle counts
- Perform administrative functions including report generation, data management, and documentation to support daily operations
- Track and manage key inventory metrics such as Days of Supply (DSI), Inventory Quality Ratio (IQR), Days on Hand (DOH), and Slow & Excess (S&E) to optimize cash flow and working capital
- Support the implementation of procurement and planning policies; monitor KPIs and lead corrective action if performance targets are not met
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams on continuous improvement initiatives, providing planning and purchasing insights to enhance process efficiency
Qualifications
The following is the experience that a candidate must have to be successful:
- 3+ years of experience in production planning, purchasing, or supply chain management (preferably in a manufacturing environment)
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Excel
- Excellent communication and vendor relationship management skills
- Detail-oriented and capable of managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement is a plus