Buyer/Planner

API Heat Transfer; Town of Germantown (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Career advancement opportunities

Growing manufacturing operation

Collaborative team environment

Job summary

General ThermoDynamics, an API Heat Transfer Company, is seeking a detail-oriented Buyer/Planner in Germantown, WI. You will develop production schedules, coordinate priorities with Operations and Engineering, and manage ERP work orders to keep customer commitments on track.

The role combines procurement, scheduling, inventory control, and supplier management in a fast-paced manufacturing setting. Minimum 3 years in a related field and ERP/MRP experience are required, with strong Excel and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of experience in purchasing, production planning, scheduling, or supply chain management within manufacturing.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and time-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain production schedules based on customer demand, forecasts, inventory levels, and capacity.
• Coordinate production priorities with Operations, Engineering, and Customer Service teams.
• Release and manage work orders within the ERP system.
• Monitor schedule adherence and adjust plans for material shortages.
• Support on-time delivery through proactive planning and communication.
• Purchase raw materials, components, and supplies for manufacturing operations.
• Issue and manage purchase orders and monitor supplier performance.
• Collaborate with suppliers to improve lead times, quality, and service levels.
• Resolve shortages and expedite critical orders as needed.
• Support sourcing initiatives, supplier evaluations, and cost-reduction efforts.
• Analyze inventory levels and material requirements to support schedules.
• Maintain inventory balances and minimize excess/obsolete materials.
• Monitor MRP recommendations and planning parameters.
• Assist with cycle counts and inventory accuracy improvements.
• Collaborate with warehouse and manufacturing teams to resolve discrepancies.
• Identify opportunities to improve planning accuracy, inventory control, and supply chain performance.
• Support ERP data integrity and process standardization.
• Participate in cross-functional projects related to capacity planning, supplier development, and operational excellence.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Time-management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, Manufacturing Management, or related field

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

MS Excel

Job description

Buyer/Planner

General ThermoDynamics (An API Heat Transfer Company) Location: Germantown, WI

Build the Future of Manufacturing with Us

General ThermoDynamics is expanding, and we're looking for a highly organized, analytical, and results-driven Buyer/Planner to join our Germantown manufacturing team. In this role, you will play a critical part in ensuring materials are available when needed, production schedules remain on track, and customer commitments are met.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys balancing procurement, production planning, inventory management, and supplier relationships in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What You'll Do

Production Planning

• Develop and maintain production schedules based on customer demand, forecasts, inventory levels, and manufacturing capacity.
• Coordinate production priorities with Operations, Engineering, and Customer Service teams.
• Release and manage work orders within the ERP system.
• Monitor schedule adherence and adjust plans to address changing priorities or material shortages.
• Support on-time delivery performance through proactive planning and communication.

Purchasing & Supplier Management

• Purchase raw materials, components, and supplies necessary to support manufacturing operations.
• Issue and manage purchase orders and monitor supplier delivery performance.
• Partner with suppliers to improve lead times, quality, and service levels.
• Resolve material shortages and expedite critical orders when necessary.
• Support sourcing initiatives, supplier evaluations, and cost-reduction efforts.

Inventory & Supply Chain Management

• Analyze inventory levels and material requirements to support production schedules.
• Maintain appropriate inventory balances while minimizing excess and obsolete materials.
• Monitor MRP recommendations and planning parameters.
• Assist with cycle count activities and inventory accuracy improvements.
• Collaborate with warehouse and manufacturing teams to resolve inventory discrepancies.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve planning accuracy, inventory control, and supply chain performance.
• Support ERP data integrity and process standardization initiatives.
• Participate in cross-functional projects related to capacity planning, supplier development, and operational excellence.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, Manufacturing Management, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in purchasing, production planning, scheduling, or supply chain management within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience utilizing ERP/MRP systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and time-management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in industrial manufacturing, engineered products, HVAC, heat exchangers, metal fabrication, or related industries.
• APICS CPIM or CSCP certification.
• Experience supporting make-to-order or engineer-to-order manufacturing operations.
• Familiarity with supplier performance management and inventory optimization techniques.

What Success Looks Like

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong attention to detail and urgency.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
• Effective communication with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Sound decision-making using data and operational metrics.
• A customer-focused approach with a commitment to operational excellence.

Why Join General ThermoDynamics?

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Career advancement opportunities
• Growing manufacturing operation with continued investment and expansion
• Collaborative team environment where your contributions directly impact business success

Join a growing organization where your planning expertise, purchasing knowledge, and supply chain leadership will help drive operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.