Planning/Purchasing Manager

The Planning/Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading the planning, purchasing, inventory control, and material management functions to ensure uninterrupted manufacturing operations. This position develops production and procurement strategies that align customer demand, inventory levels, supplier performance, and production capacity while optimizing cost, quality, and delivery. The Planning/Purchasing Manager works cross-functionally with Sales, Customer Service, Operations, Warehouse, and Finance to ensure materials are available when needed and production schedules are executed efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

Planning & Scheduling

• Develop and manage master production schedules based on customer demand, forecasts, inventory levels, and manufacturing capacity.
• Balance production priorities to maximize efficiency while meeting customer delivery commitments.
• Monitor production schedules and adjust plans to address changes in demand, material shortages, equipment downtime, or capacity constraints.
• Collaborate with Operations to identify bottlenecks and improve workflow.
• Analyze production performance and recommend improvements to scheduling processes.

Purchasing & Supplier Management

• Lead purchasing activities for raw materials, components, packaging, indirect supplies and finished goods.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, delivery schedules, and payment terms with suppliers.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure quality, reliability, and cost competitiveness.
• Evaluate supplier performance using metrics such as on-time delivery, quality, responsiveness, and cost.
• Identify and qualify new suppliers to reduce risk and improve supply chain resilience.

Inventory Management

• Maintain appropriate inventory levels to support production while minimizing excess inventory.
• Monitor inventory accuracy and coordinate cycle counting activities.
• Analyze inventory trends, slow-moving inventory, and obsolete materials.
• Implement inventory control strategies that improve inventory turns and reduce carrying costs.

Data Management

• Maintain accurate planning and purchasing data within the company's system.
• Ensure bills of materials, lead times, reorder points, safety stock levels, and supplier information remain current.
• Utilize reporting and analytics to support decision-making.
• Develop reports and dashboards that measure key planning and purchasing metrics.

Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise and develop planning and purchasing personnel.
• Establish department goals, priorities, and performance expectations.
• Coach employees through regular feedback, training, and performance evaluations.
• Foster collaboration across departments and promote continuous improvement.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to streamline planning and purchasing processes.
• Develop standard operating procedures for planning and purchasing activities.
• Support cost reduction initiatives through supplier negotiations, inventory optimization, and process improvements.

Compliance

• Ensure purchasing practices comply with company policies and applicable regulations.
• Maintain appropriate purchasing documentation and records.
• Support internal and external audits as required.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field preferred.

Equivalent combination of education and manufacturing experience may be considered.

Five to ten years of progressively responsible experience in production planning, purchasing, or supply chain management within a manufacturing environment.

Minimum of three years of leadership or supervisory experience preferred.

Thorough knowledge of purchasing, inventory management, and supply chain best practices.

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Strong negotiation and vendor management abilities.

Advanced Microsoft Excel and ERP system proficiency.

Ability to analyze data and make informed business decisions.

Excellent organizational and project management skills.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

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

Ira Green, Inc. is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity