Production Planner / Buyer

Position Summary:

The Production Planner / Buyer is responsible for planning, scheduling, and coordinating production activities to meet customer delivery requirements and best utilize the company’s production capacity. This role also involves sourcing, purchasing, and ensuring the timely delivery of materials, tooling, and components required in a machine shop environment. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in precision machining, material planning, and vendor management.

Key Responsibilities:

Production Planning:

- Develop and maintain daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules.

- Coordinate with shop floor crew to ensure on-time delivery of jobs.

- Monitor job progress and adjust schedules as necessary to accommodate delays, machine downtime, or rush orders.

- Analyze capacity and recommend overtime, subcontracting, or outsourcing when needed.

- Work closely with engineering, quality, and operations teams to ensure manufacturability and schedule alignment.

- Release work-orders / job travelers for repeat orders

Purchasing & Procurement:

- Source and purchase raw materials (metals, plastics), tools, components, and MRO supplies.

- Manage supplier relationships and performance, ensuring quality, cost, and delivery targets are met.

- Issue purchase orders, track deliveries, and expedite late orders as needed.

- Maintain optimal inventory levels to support production while minimizing excess stock.

- Work with vendors to resolve pricing, quality, and delivery issues.

Inventory Management:

- Maintain accurate BOMs and inventory levels.

- Participate in cycle counting and inventory audits.

- Analyze usage data and lead times to forecast future needs.

Qualifications:

- Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Manufacturing, or related field preferred.

- Experience: 3–5 years of experience in a production planning and/or buying role in a machine shop or manufacturing environment.

- Technical Knowledge:

- Familiarity with CNC machining, metalworking processes, and manufacturing workflows.

- Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems (e.g., JobBOSS, Epicor, SAP, etc.).

- Understanding of blueprint reading and basic GD&T is a plus.

- Skills:

- Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.

- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.

Work Environment:

- Machine shop/manufacturing environment with moderate noise and exposure to machinery.

- Combination of office and shop floor time.

Benefits:

- Competitive salary based on Experience

- Health, dental, and vision insurance available

- 401(k) available

- Paid time off and holidays

- Opportunities for advancement and professional development

Pay: $25.00 - $32.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

- 401(k)

- Dental insurance

- Health insurance

- Paid time off

- Vision insurance

Work Location: In person