Buyer/Planner

Position Summary

The Material Planning Scheduler/Buyer manages material requirements, production schedules, inventory levels, and supplier relationships to support customer demand and operational objectives. This position serves as a key link between manufacturing, purchasing, sales, customer service, quality, and suppliers to ensure the timely availability of materials and finished goods while optimizing inventory investment and production efficiency.

Working with minimal supervision, the Material Planning Scheduler/Buyer develops and executes purchasing and production plans, manages shop orders, maintains production schedules, monitors supplier performance, and drives continuous improvement initiatives that support on-time delivery, inventory reduction, lead-time improvements, and cost savings.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Production Planning & Scheduling

• Create, release, expedite, monitor, close, and reconcile shop orders to support customer demand and production requirements.
• Develop, maintain, and communicate production schedules for assigned value streams and manufacturing departments.
• Update and maintain scheduling tools, production boards, and planning systems to ensure schedule accuracy and visibility.
• Run and analyze Material Requirements Planning (MRP) reports to determine production priorities and material requirements.
• Understand and assist in the adjustment of manufacturing lot sizes to optimize production efficiency, throughput, and inventory levels.
• Assemble shop order documentation as needed, including bills of material (BOMs), routings, engineering drawings, and special instructions. Work closely with the Plant Manager, production supervisors, and department leaders to align schedules, capacity, staffing requirements, and production priorities
• Monitor work order status and proactively resolve schedule disruptions or capacity constraints.
• Identify and communicate production risks that may impact customer deliveries and work cross-functionally to develop recovery plans.

Material Planning & Inventory Management

• Analyze customer demand, forecasts, historical usage, and inventory trends to determine material requirements.
• Ensure raw materials, purchased components, and finished goods inventory levels adequately support customer and production requirements.
• Balance inventory investment with customer service objectives while supporting inventory turn goals.
• Monitor inventory performance and take corrective action to address shortages, excess inventory, and slow-moving materials.
• Perform ongoing analysis of material consumption and demand patterns to improve planning accuracy.
• Coordinate inventory strategies that support production continuity and operational efficiency.

Purchasing & Supplier Management

• Create, process, and manage purchase orders for raw materials, subcontracted services, MRO supplies, and other operational requirements.
• Monitor supplier delivery performance and expedite orders as necessary to maintain production schedules.
• Develop and maintain effective supplier relationships to support quality, delivery, cost, and service expectations.
• Evaluate supplier performance metrics and implement corrective actions when performance expectations are not met.
• Collaborate with suppliers to improve lead times, reduce costs, and resolve supply chain issues.
• Involvement with Quality and Operations teams to address supplier-related quality concerns, nonconforming materials, and corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate purchasing data, pricing, lead times, and supplier information within the ERP system.

Customer Service & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Communicate proactively with Sales, Customer Service, Operations, and Leadership regarding order status, material availability, and delivery risks.

• Investigate and assist with formulating responses to customer inquiries related to product availability, production status, and expected shipment schedules.

• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to ensure smooth execution of customer requirements.

• Facilitate effective communication across departments to support business objectives and customer satisfaction.

Continuous Improvement & Compliance

• Participate in Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and inventory optimization initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve planning processes, purchasing practices, scheduling efficiency, and inventory performance.
• Support company quality systems and compliance requirements.
• Follow and promote all safety policies, procedures, and workplace standards.Contribute to organizational goals related to cost reduction, operational excellence, and on-time delivery performance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.

Strong understanding of MRP and ERP systems.

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Strong organizational and time-management abilities.

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.

Ability to build effective relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Flexibility to adapt to changing requirements, production priorities, and customer demands.

Working knowledge of inventory control, purchasing processes, production planning, and scheduling principles.

Ability to analyze data and make informed business decisions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Operations Management, Business, Manufacturing Management, or a related field; equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in production planning, scheduling, material planning, purchasing, or supply chain operations within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience utilizing ERP/MRP systems.
• Demonstrated experience with inventory management, production scheduling, and purchasing activities.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior purchasing and supplier management experience in a manufacturing environment.

• APICS CPIM, CSCP, CPP, CPSM, or similar professional certification.

• Experience with Epicor ERP or similar manufacturing ERP systems.

• Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience.

• ISO Quality Management System experience.

• Experience in a make-to-order and/or make-to-stock manufacturing environment.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Regularly sit, stand, and walk throughout the workday.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
• Work is primarily performed in an office environment with regular exposure to manufacturing operations.
• Frequent computer work requires extended periods of screen time.
• Exposure to a manufacturing environment may include machinery, forklift traffic, and moderate to high noise levels.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Work Environment:

• Manufacturing environment, loud noises.
• Machine Shop

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Location: 515 Progress Way, Sun Prairie, WI 53590

Shift: 1st – Monday through Friday 8am – 4pm (flexible 8 hr. shift)

Benefits Package:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 100% Employee Owned
• Company Paid Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Company Paid Employee and Dependent Life Insurance
• Employee, Spouse and Child Life Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Prescription Drug Benefits
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Employer Match
• Open PTO
• 10 Paid Holidays per year
• Health Savings Plans (HSA, FSA and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts)
• Eligibility to participate in the ONE Fisher Barton Quarterly Bonus Plan
• Tuition Assistance
• Wellness Programs
• Apprenticeship Programs
• Off-Site Team Building Events
• On-Site Cookouts and Celebrations
• Birthday and Anniversary Recognition
• Holiday parties
• And more!

Who we are:

At Fisher Barton, we combine years of experience across multiple industries to deliver unparalleled innovation. Our world-class talent understands the behavior of materials and develops leading-edge solutions that meet your unique needs. We’re more than a source for high-quality parts; Fisher Barton is your resource for the highest quality solutions you’ll find—anywhere.

Fisher Barton is an equal opportunity employer who welcome and encourages diversity in our workforce. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to any status or characteristic protected by law.