Buyer/Production Planner I

For more than 75 years, Douglas Dynamics has been North America’s premier manufacturer and upfitter of commercial work truck attachments and equipment. Our family of industry-leading brands — FISHER®, SnowEx®, WESTERN®, HENDERSON®, DEJANA®, and VENCO VENTURO® — is trusted for superior innovation, reliability, and performance.

Just as important as what we build is how we build it. We believe our people and culture are critical to our success. At Douglas Dynamics, you’ll be part of a team that values collaboration, continuous improvement, and empowered decision-making. We provide the tools, training, and support our employees need to thrive — because when our people succeed, so does our business.

When you join Douglas Dynamics, you become part of a tradition — and a future — where your ideas matter, your contributions are valued, and your growth is supported.

Our Core Values — Grow, Improve, and Engage — define who we are and guide how we work every day. We bring these values to life through our Winning Behaviors, which shape how we serve our customers, support one another, and succeed together:

• Be Customer & Results Driven – Consider the customer in everything you do and focus on meaningful outcomes.
• Anticipate the Possibilities – See around corners and embrace ideas that move our business forward.
• Collaborate & Care – Work together and support our customers, communities, and each other.
• Communicate Responsibly – Build trust through thoughtful listening and clear communication.
• Develop Self & Others – Take ownership of your growth while helping others do the same.
• Get Better Every Day – Continuous improvement is at the heart of how we work — every day.

We are seeking a Buyer/Production Planner I to join our team and help drive our continued success. This role plays an important part in supporting our customers, strengthening our business, and contributing to the long-term growth of Douglas Dynamics.

Set production schedules based on the forecasted production plan and customer demand. Work with internal and external suppliers to bring in material as required in the quantity required. Work to control inventory levels through lean principles.

In this role, you will leverage your skills, experience, and perspective to make a meaningful impact. You’ll collaborate with teammates across the organization, contribute ideas, and help deliver results that matter for our customers and our business.

• Support a culture consistent with the company’s core values and vision statement. Promote respectful, open, and honest communication across the organization.
• Follow Company policies and procedures regarding work and conduct.
• Manage production schedules according to Level Loaded production philosophy in support of Sales Forecasts and/or Actual Open Orders; includes inter-company requirements.
• Creating and maintaining Kanban systems.
• Manage and order materials from outside suppliers as required to support internal production part requirement, as triggered by internal pull systems. Cut releases to the supply chain daily.
• Follow up with suppliers on past due releases.
• Plan level loaded daily build schedules for shop floor associates.
• Work with Global Sourcing and Supply Team to support supplier improvement opportunities aligned to company strategies. Participate in supplier events.
• Utilize Excel tools that improve task efficiency (in accordance with IT policies).
• Support the cycle count program to identify opportunities for improving inventory accuracy.
• Participate in internal and external Kaizen events.
• Support Engineering team with BOM and spec doc updates.
• Support Quality Control and GSS team with defective/non-conforming parts.
• Work with receiving and accounting departments to reconcile invoicing issues.
• Support the company’s Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and Growth Programs to continuously strive to maintain and improve our standing as “Best-In-Class”.

Education/Experience: Two-year associate degree in business or other related field or 3 years of related work experience.

Technology/Equipment: Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook, Access); working knowledge of ERP systems preferred. Experience with Epicor is a plus.

Additional Skills: Ability to effectively communicate with written and oral communication throughout the organization and with supply chain. Knowledge of manufacturing processes is preferred. Excellent oral and written presentation skills.

• A fulfilling career with the opportunity to contribute to an industry leader
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• A comprehensive benefits package
• Generous 401(k) match
• Profit sharing for all full-time employees
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities, including access to Douglas Dynamics University (DDU)

At Douglas Dynamics, we don’t just talk about improvement — we live it. We’re committed to creating an environment where people can grow, ideas are encouraged, and learning never stops. Your development matters here, and we are invested in helping you build a rewarding career.

Don’t meet every requirement? Studies show that women, people of color, and historically underrepresented talent are less likely to apply unless they meet every qualification. At Douglas Dynamics, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace — and we encourage you to apply.

Douglas Dynamics, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against qualified applicants based on race, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.