Production Scheduler & Plant Buyer

Location:

Michigan City, Indiana Department:
Operations / Supply Chain

The Production Scheduler & Plant Buyer is responsible for coordinating plant production schedules and procuring materials required to support manufacturing operations through ERP/MRP systems. This role plays a critical part in aligning customer demand, supplier deliveries, inventory levels, and production capacity to ensure on‑time customer shipments while minimizing inventory exposure and operational disruptions. This position works closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Customer Service, and Suppliers to maintain material flow, support plant performance, and execute reliable production schedules.

The ideal candidate is organized, analytical, and capable of proactively identifying and resolving supply chain challenges.

• Develop and maintain daily and weekly production schedules based on customer demand and plant capacity.
• Coordinate production priorities with operations leadership to ensure efficient use of labor, equipment, and materials.
• Adjust schedules as needed to address material shortages, equipment downtime, and changing customer requirements.
• Communicate schedule updates and production priorities across the organization.
• Monitor schedule adherence and identify opportunities to improve production flow and throughput.

• Purchase raw materials, components, and packaging required to support manufacturing operations.
• Manage supplier relationships to ensure timely delivery, quality compliance, and cost effectiveness.
• Monitor supplier performance and work with cross‑functional teams to resolve delivery and quality concerns.
• Maintain inventory levels that support production requirements while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.
• Issue purchase orders and track supplier commitments to ensure material availability.
• Coordinate supplier schedules, expedite critical shipments, and resolve material shortages.
• Monitor inventory transactions and maintain data accuracy within ERP/MRP systems.
• Perform material planning based on customer demand and production forecasts.
• Identify and address inventory risks, including shortages, overstock, and slow‑moving materials.
• Support cycle count activities and inventory accuracy initiatives.
• Participate in root cause investigations related to inventory discrepancies and material availability issues.

• Partner with Production, Engineering, Customer Service, and Plant Leadership to support operational priorities.
• Communicate customer demand changes and material constraints affecting production.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on scheduling accuracy, inventory control, and supplier performance.
• Assist in resolving supply chain issues that impact production and customer deliveries.

• Identify opportunities to improve planning, purchasing, and material flow processes.
• Support key performance metrics related to on‑time delivery, supplier performance, inventory turns, and inventory accuracy.
• Participate in plant meetings to communicate material status, supply chain risks, and recovery plans.

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or a related field preferred. Equivalent manufacturing experience may be considered.

3-7 years of experience in manufacturing purchasing, materials planning, production scheduling, or supply chain.

Experience working with ERP/MRP systems in a manufacturing environment.

Experience in automotive, commercial vehicle, or other high‑volume manufacturing environments preferred.

• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Effective problem‑solving…