Production Planner/Scheduler/Buyer
M&M Quality Grinding
Hodgkins, IL
About Us
For more than 45 years, M&M Quality Grinding has been a trusted partner in precision bar stock grinding. Founded in 1981 and located in Hodgkins, Illinois, M&M plays a critical role in our customers' supply chains by delivering high-quality, tight-tolerance grinding services.
We serve a wide range of customers such as medical, commercial and industrial manufacturing, and steel distribution. Our customers rely on us for consistency, accuracy, and on-time delivery, and our success begins with our people.
We believe technology will never exceed the value of our most important resource: our team. Whether you're experienced, early in your career, or somewhere in between, we welcome hard-working, honest individuals who take pride in making a difference.
M&M Quality Grinding is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and works hard to create a respectful, welcoming workplace for everyone.
Position Summary:
The Production Planner/Scheduler/Buyer is responsible for scheduling and coordinating workflow across departments to ensure efficient operations and on-time delivery. This role includes reviewing and converting sales orders into work orders, managing work orders throughout the production lifecycle using our ERP system (Global Shop Solutions), and purchasing shop floor and maintenance supplies.
Production Planner/Scheduler/Buyer will work closely with Operations, Sales, Customer Service, Maintenance/Automation, and Shipping/Receiving to support production schedules, optimize resources, and uphold M&M's commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.
Job Requirements:
- Minimum 3 years of experience required in production planning and/or purchasing in a machine shop or manufacturing environment, with a high school diploma, or
Preferred
- Recent graduate with a bachelor's degree (business, math, or related field)
- Strong math, analytical, and computer skills
- Self-starter with a positive attitude and willingness to learn
- Excellent PC skills; Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 facility experience essential
- Spanish language capabilities desirable.
Primary Responsibilities:
Production Planning & Scheduling
Review sales quotes and customer purchase orders for accuracy
Convert sales orders into work orders and release them to shop floor supervisors
Plan and schedule production based on customer demand using ERP
Maintain accurate and timely updates to work orders and schedules
Coordinate ship dates and proactively communicate changes to internal teams
Purchasing & Vendor Management
Purchase shop floor and maintenance supplies
Build and maintain strong vendor relationships
Negotiate pricing to ensure quality materials at the best cost
Track vendor performance and delivery compliance
Inventory & Reporting
Oversee inventory levels of raw materials, WIP, and finished goods
Adjust inventory records to ensure ERP accuracy
Run daily, weekly, and monthly production and inventory reports
Support efficient management of schedules, materials, and supplies
Process Improvement & Lean Initiatives
Streamline centerless grinding and outside secondary operations
Develop and implement lean manufacturing and 6S initiatives
Create workflows, processes, and training programs to improve efficiency
Document processes by creating and maintaining work instructions
Safety Leadership
Develop and implement comprehensive safety policies for shop and office
Conduct regular safety inspections and audits
Provide safety training for new and existing employees
Investigate incidents, near misses, and implement corrective actions
Stay current on industry best practices and regulatory requirements
Serve as the primary point of contact for safety-related concerns
Professional Conduct
Act in alignment with M&M Quality Grinding's core values of professionalism, accountability, and integrity
Support both internal teams and external customers with a service-oriented mindset
Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Matching 401 (k) contribution up to 5%
- Paid Time-off and Ten (10) Paid Holidays
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to walk, stand, sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel parts. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms and occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, and crouch.
Work Environment
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Ear protection may be required for certain processes. Steel toed shoes and eye protection are required for all activity on the shop floor.