Purchasing and Planning

About Company:

If you're seeking a company that values inclusivity, development, supportive team dynamics, and stable global growth areas (e.g. hydrogen technology), MHA ZENTGRAF Corp. is a great place to work. We demonstrate values that align with positive employee feedback and a commitment to maintaining a balanced, respectful workplace.

About the Role:

The Purchasing and Planning role is critical to ensuring the seamless coordination between procurement activities and production schedules within a manufacturing environment. The primary objective is to optimize inventory levels, reduce costs, and maintain uninterrupted production flow by accurately forecasting material requirements and managing supplier relationships. This position requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams including production, logistics, and quality assurance to align purchasing decisions with manufacturing demands. The role also involves analyzing market trends and supplier performance to make informed purchasing decisions that support the company’s strategic goals. Ultimately, the successful candidate will contribute to operational efficiency and profitability by balancing supply chain dynamics with production planning needs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience in production planning within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of procurement processes and inventory management.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and production planning software.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in Supply Chain Management (e.g., APICS CPIM or CSCP).
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Familiarity with advanced data analysis and forecasting tools.
• Previous experience working in a manufacturing industry classified under NAICS 31.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance related to manufacturing procurement.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain production plans based on sales forecasts, inventory levels, and capacity constraints.
• Coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials and negotiate favorable terms and pricing.
• Monitor inventory levels to prevent stockouts or excess inventory, adjusting purchasing plans accordingly.
• Collaborate with production and quality teams to address any supply chain disruptions or quality issues.
• Analyze procurement data and market trends to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve supplier performance.
• Prepare reports on purchasing activities, inventory status, and production schedules for management review.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance purchasing and planning processes.

Skills:

The required skill of production planning is utilized daily to develop accurate schedules that align material availability with manufacturing capacity, ensuring efficient workflow and minimizing downtime. Strong procurement skills enable the candidate to negotiate with suppliers effectively, securing quality materials at competitive prices while maintaining reliable delivery timelines. Analytical skills are essential for interpreting inventory data and market trends to make informed purchasing decisions that support cost control and operational efficiency. Communication skills facilitate collaboration across departments and with external vendors, ensuring alignment and swift resolution of any supply chain issues. Preferred skills such as Lean Manufacturing and data analysis further enhance the ability to streamline processes and implement continuous improvements in purchasing and planning activities.