Planner/Scheduler

Buyer / Planner - Multi-Unit IBC Manufacturing Operations

FLSA Classification - Exempt

Reports To: Plant Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The Buyer / Planner is responsible for coordinating production planning, material procurement, inventory management, and manufacturing schedules to support a multi-unit Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) manufacturing facility consisting of both Reconditioning and Large Pack operations. This position serves as a key link between Sales, Customer Service, Operations, Suppliers, and Logistics to ensure customer requirements are met while maintaining optimal inventory levels, efficient production flow, and on-time delivery performance.

The Buyer / Planner is responsible for balancing customer demand, production capacity, material availability, inventory levels, and operational priorities across multiple manufacturing processes. This role requires strong organizational skills, analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Safety

• Follow all Plant Safety Rules and Regulations.
• Utilize proper PPE when entering production and warehouse areas.
• Promote a culture of safety through active participation in safety discussions, observations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify and communicate unsafe conditions, operational risks, or process concerns to plant leadership.
• Support housekeeping and 6S initiatives to maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Quality

• Support compliance with all applicable quality management system requirements, including ISO standards and customer specifications.
• Maintain accurate planning, purchasing, inventory, and production records.
• Monitor production schedules and inventory levels to ensure customer requirements and quality expectations are achieved.
• Assist with investigations related to production delays, inventory discrepancies, material shortages, and customer service concerns.
• Support corrective and preventive actions related to planning, scheduling, procurement, and inventory management activities.

Customer Service and Production Planning

• Review customer orders, forecasts, and demand requirements to develop production schedules that support customer delivery commitments.
• Develop and maintain production schedules for both Reconditioning and Large Pack manufacturing operations.
• Establish production priorities based on customer requirements, inventory levels, equipment capacity, labor availability, and operational constraints.
• Coordinate daily and weekly production schedules with Plant Leadership to maximize efficiency and resource utilization.
• Monitor schedule attainment and adjust production plans as necessary to address changing customer demands, equipment downtime, labor constraints, or material shortages.
• Communicate schedule changes, production priorities, and customer requirements to operations personnel and plant leadership.
• Participate in daily production meetings and provide updates regarding schedule attainment, customer orders, inventory status, and material availability.
• Analyze production capacity and identify opportunities to improve throughput, reduce downtime, and enhance operational performance.

Procurement and Supplier Management

• Purchase raw materials, production components, operating supplies, and services required to support manufacturing operations.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels of bottles, cages, valves, caps, pallets, labels, gaskets, reconditioned components, and other critical production materials.
• Generate and manage purchase orders to support operational requirements.
• Coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials and services.
• Monitor supplier performance regarding quality, cost, delivery, and responsiveness.
• Resolve material shortages, delivery issues, and supply chain disruptions through proactive communication and planning.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve material availability.

Inventory Management

• Monitor inventory levels and material requirements to support uninterrupted production operations.
• Maintain inventory planning parameters including lead times, reorder points, safety stock levels, and purchasing requirements.
• Assist with cycle counts, inventory audits, reconciliation activities, and inventory accuracy initiatives.
• Investigate inventory variances and implement corrective actions as necessary.
• Coordinate movement of inventory between Reconditioning and Large Pack operations when applicable.
• Ensure material availability aligns with production schedules and customer demand requirements.

Reporting and Continuous Improvement

• Develop and maintain reports related to inventory levels, production schedules, material availability, supplier performance, customer service metrics, and operational performance.
• Analyze data to identify trends, constraints, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Support Lean Manufacturing, 6S, Kaizen, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in projects focused on reducing costs, improving inventory turns, increasing schedule attainment, and enhancing customer service performance.
• Recommend process improvements that improve planning accuracy, operational efficiency, inventory management, and overall plant performance.

OTHER DUTIES

• Attend all required meetings and training sessions.
• Maintain professional communication with internal and external customers.
• Support plant operations during audits, inventory activities, and business improvement initiatives.
• Perform all other duties as required or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education / Experience and/or Training

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree or bachelor's degree in business, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Manufacturing, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in manufacturing, production planning, scheduling, procurement, inventory control, or supply chain operations.
• Experience working within a fast-paced manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience supporting customer service, production operations, or supply chain functions preferred.

Computer Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Experience utilizing ERP, MRP, SAP, QAD, or similar business management systems preferred.

Problem-Solving Skills

• Demonstrated ability to analyze operational data and develop practical solutions to support business objectives.
• Ability to prioritize competing demands and make informed decisions in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Verbal & Written Communication Skills

• Effectively communicate with operations personnel, suppliers, customer service representatives, sales teams, and management.
• Ability to prepare reports, business correspondence, production schedules, and operational documentation.

Additional Competencies

• Ability to perform calculations involving inventory levels, production requirements, forecasts, capacity planning, percentages, ratios, and statistical data
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to work independently while supporting team objectives.
• Demonstrated integrity, accountability, and professionalism.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

(Typically required on a regular basis to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.)

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to travel between office, warehouse, and manufacturing areas as required.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work on the manufacturing floor and in warehouse environments.
• Ability to work in a non-climate-controlled manufacturing environment, including exposure to hot summer and cold winter conditions.
• Ability to climb stairs, bend, stoop, and reach as required during facility inspections and inventory activities.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

(REQUIRED when entering production or warehouse areas)

• Steel toe or composite toe footwear.
• Safety glasses.
• Hearing protection as required.
• Additional PPE as required by plant safety policies and operational assignments.

Do you want to work with people who are dedicated to innovation and making the world a better place? Do you want to build a career with a company that provides opportunities for growth and development?

Mauser Packaging Solutions is that company.

Our mission is to help our customers achieve better sustainability with their packaging. And we do that by giving our people the opportunity to do important work, solve interesting problems and be part of a diverse, forward-looking team.

At Mauser Packaging Solutions, you can be proud to work for a company that's always striving to innovate and serve customers better-and help them be better stewards of the environment.

Whether you're a seasoned professional-or just beginning your career-there's a place where you can help make a difference at Mauser Packaging Solutions. Join us!

Mauser Packaging Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.