Master Scheduler

Attala Steel Industries specializes in high volume, high quality, low cost posts for PV solar projects. The foundations for any project are key to its success and Attala Steel is proud to be the most reliable source of solar posts in the US. We have an exceptional opportunity for a strategic hands-on Master Production Scheduler and Metal Buyer at our Kosciusko, Mississippi location.

Master Production Scheduler & Metal Buyer

Job Summary

The Master Production Scheduler & Metal Buyer is responsible for developing and maintaining the production schedule while managing the procurement of metal raw materials to support manufacturing operations. This role ensures optimal material availability, efficient production flow, cost control, and on-time delivery by coordinating closely with production, sales, engineering, and suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

Master Production Scheduling

- Develop, maintain, and communicate the master production schedule (MPS) based on customer demand, forecasts, and capacity constraints

- Balance production priorities to meet delivery commitments while optimizing labor, equipment, and inventory

- Monitor schedule adherence and adjust plans to address changes in demand, material availability, or capacity

- Coordinate with production, technical, and quality teams to resolve scheduling conflicts and constraints

- Analyze production performance metrics (on-time delivery, lead times, throughput) and recommend improvements

- Support S&OP (Sales & Operations Planning) and demand planning activities

Metal Buying & Procurement

- Source and purchase metal raw materials (e.g., steel billets and long-beam), to meet production requirements

- Negotiate pricing, lead times, and terms with suppliers to achieve cost and service objectives

- Maintain optimal inventory levels to support production while minimizing excess and obsolescence

- Monitor market trends, pricing fluctuations, and supplier performance

- Issue purchase orders and ensure timely delivery of materials

- Resolve supplier issues related to quality, delivery, or pricing

Inventory & Data Management

- Maintain accurate material planning and inventory data in ERP/MRP systems

- Conduct material requirements planning (MRP) to align purchasing with production schedules

- Participate in cycle counts and inventory reconciliation as required

- Prepare reports on material usage, costs, shortages, and schedule performance

Cross-Functional Collaboration

- Act as a key liaison between production, purchasing, sales, and finance

- Support continuous improvement initiatives related to scheduling efficiency and material flow

- Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and quality requirements

Qualifications

Preferred

- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business, Engineering, or equivalent experience

- 3–7 years of experience in production scheduling and/or metal purchasing within a manufacturing environment

- Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems and production planning principles

- Experience purchasing metal raw materials or commodities

- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills

- Excellent communication and negotiation abilities

- Experience in metals manufacturing or fabrication environments

- Knowledge of commodity metal markets and pricing structures

- APICS/CPIM or similar certification

- Advanced Excel or data analysis skills

Key Competencies

- Production planning & capacity management

- Supplier negotiation & cost control

- Inventory optimization

- Attention to detail and accuracy

- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Production Scheduling & Delivery

- On-Time Delivery (OTD): ≥ 95% customer orders shipped on or before committed date

- Schedule Adherence: ≥ 90% adherence to the master production schedule

- Production Plan Attainment: Actual output vs. planned output (%)

- Lead Time Reduction: Year-over-year improvement in manufacturing lead times

Inventory & Material Planning

- Inventory Turns: Achieve or exceed targeted inventory turns for metal raw materials

- Days of Inventory on Hand (DOH): Maintain within established targets

- Material Shortages: Reduction in line stoppages or expedites due to material constraints

- MRP Accuracy: ≥ 98% accuracy of material planning and system data

Metal Purchasing & Cost Management

- Material Cost Variance: Actual metal cost vs. standard/forecasted cost

- Cost Savings: Annual negotiated savings or cost avoidance ($ or %)

- Purchase Price Variance (PPV): Track and improve vs. prior year

- Supplier On-Time Delivery: ≥ 95% from key metal suppliers

Supplier Performance & Risk Management

- Supplier Quality Performance: Incoming material defect rate (PPM or %)

- Supplier Lead Time Reliability: Variance between promised and actual lead times

- Supplier Scorecard Performance: Quarterly or annual improvement across cost, quality, and delivery

- Supply Risk Mitigation: Successful implementation of dual sourcing or risk reduction plans

Team & Process Management

- Planner/Buyer Productivity: Workload balance and task completion metrics

- Continuous Improvement: Number and impact of implemented process improvements

- Cross-Functional Satisfaction: Feedback from production, sales, and finance teams

Financial & Strategic Impact

- Working Capital Improvement: Reduction in inventory value without impacting service

- Budget Adherence: Purchasing spend vs. approved budget

- S&OP Effectiveness: Forecast accuracy and plan stability over time

This position specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.

Attala Steel Industries is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

- 401(k) matching

- Dental insurance

- Employee assistance program

- Flexible schedule

- Flexible spending account

- Health insurance

- Health savings account

- Life insurance

- Paid time off

- Professional development assistance

- Tuition reimbursement

- Vision insurance

Work Location: In person