Buyer/Planner

Fisher-Barton•Sun Prairie, WI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Material Planning Scheduler/Buyer manages material requirements, production schedules, inventory levels, and supplier relationships to support customer demand and operational objectives. The role connects manufacturing, purchasing, sales, customer service, quality, and suppliers to ensure the timely availability of materials and finished goods while optimizing inventory investment and production efficiency. Working with minimal supervision, the Buyer/Planner develops and executes purchasing and production plans, manages shop orders, maintains production schedules, monitors supplier performance, and supports continuous improvement initiatives related to on-time delivery, inventory reduction, lead-time improvements, and cost savings. The position works in a manufacturing environment, primarily in an office with regular exposure to manufacturing operations and a machine shop. The schedule is a first shift, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a flexible eight-hour shift. The listed work location is 515 Progress Way, Sun Prairie, WI 53590.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Operations Management, Business, Manufacturing Management, or a related field; equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Three to five years of experience in production planning, scheduling, material planning, purchasing, or supply chain operations within a manufacturing environment.
Experience using ERP/MRP systems.
Demonstrated experience with inventory management, production scheduling, and purchasing activities.
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
Strong understanding of MRP and ERP systems.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Strong organizational and time-management abilities, attention to detail, and accuracy.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and adapt to changing requirements, production priorities, and customer demands.
Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team, and to build effective relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Working knowledge of inventory control, purchasing processes, production planning, and scheduling principles.
Ability to analyze data and make informed business decisions.

Nice To Haves

Prior purchasing and supplier management experience in a manufacturing environment.
APICS CPIM, CSCP, CPP, CPSM, or similar professional certification.
Experience with Epicor ERP or similar manufacturing ERP systems.
Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience.
ISO Quality Management System experience.
Experience in a make-to-order and/or make-to-stock manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

Create, release, expedite, monitor, close, and reconcile shop orders to support customer demand and production requirements.
Develop, maintain, and communicate production schedules for assigned value streams and manufacturing departments.
Update scheduling tools, production boards, and planning systems to maintain schedule accuracy and visibility.
Run and analyze MRP reports to determine production priorities and material requirements.
Assist with adjusting manufacturing lot sizes to optimize efficiency, throughput, and inventory levels.
Assemble shop order documentation, including bills of material, routings, engineering drawings, and special instructions.
Coordinate with the Plant Manager, production supervisors, and department leaders to align schedules, capacity, staffing, and production priorities.
Monitor work order status, resolve schedule disruptions or capacity constraints, and communicate production risks with recovery plans.
Analyze customer demand, forecasts, historical usage, and inventory trends to determine material requirements.
Maintain raw material, purchased component, and finished goods inventory levels that support customer and production requirements while balancing inventory investment and service objectives.
Monitor inventory performance and address shortages, excess inventory, and slow-moving materials; analyze consumption and demand patterns to improve planning accuracy.
Create, process, and manage purchase orders for raw materials, subcontracted services, MRO supplies, and other operational requirements.
Monitor supplier delivery performance, expedite orders, maintain supplier relationships, and collaborate with suppliers to improve lead times, reduce costs, and resolve supply chain issues.
Evaluate supplier performance and implement corrective actions when expectations are not met.
Work with Quality and Operations teams on supplier-related quality concerns, nonconforming materials, and corrective actions.
Maintain accurate purchasing data, pricing, lead times, and supplier information in the ERP system.
Communicate order status, material availability, and delivery risks to Sales, Customer Service, Operations, and Leadership.
Investigate and help formulate responses to customer inquiries about product availability, production status, and expected shipment schedules.
Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to execute customer requirements and support cross-department communication.
Participate in Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and inventory optimization initiatives; identify improvements to planning, purchasing, scheduling, and inventory processes.
Support company quality systems and compliance requirements, follow and promote safety policies and workplace standards, and contribute to cost reduction, operational excellence, and on-time delivery goals.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
100% employee-owned company.
Company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance.
Company-paid employee and dependent life insurance.
Employee, spouse, and child life insurance.
Critical illness insurance.
Prescription drug benefits.
401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match.
Open PTO.
10 paid holidays per year.
Health Savings Plans, including HSA, FSA, and dependent flexible spending accounts.
Eligibility to participate in the ONE Fisher Barton Quarterly Bonus Plan.
Tuition assistance.
Wellness programs.
Apprenticeship programs.
Off-site team-building events, on-site cookouts and celebrations, birthday and anniversary recognition, and holiday parties.