Material & Production Planning Specialist

ARCH • Whitehall, PA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Responsibilities include sourcing, purchasing, and ensuring the timely delivery of raw materials, secondary processing, and supplies necessary for manufacturing operations. Developing, managing, and optimizing production schedules in a manufacturing machine shop environment. This role ensures efficient workflow, maximizes machine utilization, and aligns production plans with customer demand, material availability, and labor capacity. Collaborates closely with production and engineering teams to maintain on-time delivery, reduce lead times, and optimize overall efficiency. This role involves negotiating with suppliers, managing inventory levels, and collaborating with internal departments to optimize procurement processes while maintaining cost efficiency and quality standards.

Requirements

• 2+ years of purchasing or procurement experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of Supply Chain Principles, Vendor Management, and Contract Negotiations.
• Strong MS Office Skills (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) are mandatory.
• Possesses knowledge of Order Processing systems, Manufacturing ERP/MRP software and Internet software.
• Regularly required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• Frequently required to walk and reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally required to sit.
• Must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision and Depth perception.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Epicor experience preferred.
• Knowledge of general inventory planning and kanban systems is desired.
• Experience in lean manufacturing or just-in-time (JIT) procurement preferred.
• Certification in procurement (e.g., CPM, CPSM, CSCP) is preferred.
• Familiarity with industry-specific materials and suppliers is preferred.
• Have a desire to join an organization that values respect, life-long learning, continuous improvement, making commitments and keeping them, and a dedicated focus on our customers.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate suppliers for raw materials, components, and secondary services.
• Request and analyze quotes to obtain the best pricing, terms, and quality.
• Issue purchase orders and follow up on deliveries to ensure timely receipt.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers.
• Monitor supplier performance based on quality, cost, and delivery reliability.
• Resolve any supplier-related issues, including delays, defects, or contract disputes. Coordinate with the quality control team to address non-conforming materials.
• Work with AP as a lead role to validate and set standards costs.
• Monitor inventory levels to ensure optimal stock while minimizing excess inventory.
• Work with the production team to forecast material requirements.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities through negotiation, bulk purchases, or alternative sourcing.
• Ensure production schedules align with inventory levels and customer demand.
• Collaborate with supply chain teams to maintain appropriate raw material and work-in-progress (WIP) inventory levels.
• Minimize excess inventory while ensuring on-time delivery of finished products.
• Develop and maintain detailed production schedules based on customer orders, inventory levels, and machine shop capacity. Prepares and issues production orders. Reviews for accuracy prior to job completion.
• Balance workloads across machines and work centers to optimize efficiency and reduce bottlenecks.
• Adjust schedules as needed to accommodate priority changes, equipment downtime, or material delays.
• Identify and implement scheduling improvements to enhance productivity and reduce lead times.
• Utilize data analysis to forecast capacity constraints and recommend solutions.
• Support lean manufacturing initiatives, including just-in-time (JIT) production and continuous improvement efforts.
• Work closely with production supervisors and engineers to ensure alignment on schedules and material availability.
• Communicate schedule changes and updates to relevant departments.
• Provide status updates on production progress and anticipated delays.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, including order tracking and supplier documentation. Provide reports on purchasing metrics, cost analysis, and supplier performance.
• Utilize ERP/MRP systems to create and maintain production schedules.
• Generate reports and analyze scheduling metrics to drive data-based decision-making.
• Maintain accurate records of work orders, production timelines, and capacity planning data.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package including Medical, Dental & Vision effective day one!
• Paid time off and holidays
• Competitive matching 401(k)
• Temperature controlled work environment
• Quarterly bonus program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level