Buyer/Planner

Core Molding Technologies; Winona (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Core Molding Technologies is seeking a Buyer/Planner to ensure timely, accurate procurement of materials for manufacturing operations. The role covers production planning, inventory management, supplier coordination, and purchasing activities to support uninterrupted production while optimizing inventory levels.

Working closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Suppliers, you will help maintain material availability, improve supplier performance, and support continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent purchasing/planning experience.
• 3+ years of purchasing, planning, materials management, or supply chain experience in manufacturing.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems for purchasing and production planning.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills and data analysis abilities.

Responsibilities

• Plan and procure raw materials and production components based on MRP, schedules, and inventory targets.
• Create and manage purchase orders while maintaining supplier relationships.
• Monitor supplier performance including on-time delivery, quality, and responsiveness.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and terms to meet cost and service objectives.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels while minimizing excess inventory.
• Monitor inventory accuracy through cycle counts and reconciliations.
• Support engineering changes, new product launches, and PPAP activities.
• Manage supplier and part master data within the ERP/MRP system.
• Identify and resolve material shortages, delivery issues, and inventory discrepancies.
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Quality, Shipping, and Receiving to ensure uninterrupted operations.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to inventory management and supply chain performance.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and standards.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Communication

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Results orientation

Customer focus

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Summary

Core Molding Technologies is seeking a Buyer/Planner to ensure the timely, accurate, and cost-effective procurement of materials that support manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for production planning, inventory management, supplier coordination, and purchasing activities to ensure uninterrupted production while optimizing inventory levels and supply chain performance.

Core Molding Technologies is seeking a Buyer/Planner to ensure the timely, accurate, and cost-effective procurement of materials that support manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for production planning, inventory management, supplier coordination, and purchasing activities to ensure uninterrupted production while optimizing inventory levels and supply chain performance.

Working closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Suppliers, the Buyer/Planner plays a key role in maintaining material availability, improving supplier performance, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and procure raw materials and production components based on MRP, production schedules, and inventory targets
• Create and manage purchase orders while maintaining strong supplier relationships
• Monitor supplier performance, including on-time delivery, quality, and responsiveness
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and purchasing terms to achieve cost and service objectives
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels while minimizing excess inventory
• Monitor inventory accuracy through cycle counts, reconciliations, and inventory analysis
• Support engineering changes, new product launches, supplier PPAP activities, and quality initiatives
• Manage supplier and part master data within the ERP/MRP system
• Identify and resolve material shortages, delivery issues, and inventory discrepancies
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Quality, Shipping, and Receiving to ensure uninterrupted operations
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to inventory management, purchasing processes, and supply chain performance
• Ensure compliance with company policies and applicable IATF 16949 and ISO 14001 standards

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or a related field, or equivalent purchasing/planning experience
• 3+ years of purchasing, planning, materials management, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems for purchasing and production planning
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills
• Knowledge of inventory management principles including MRP, Kanban, EOQ, cycle counting, and inventory control
• Experience working with suppliers, purchase orders, and production schedules
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

Preferred

• Experience in automotive, composites, plastics, or industrial manufacturing
• Experience supporting APQP, PPAP, or engineering change processes
• Forklift certification or willingness to obtain certification
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement initiatives

Key Competencies

• Planning and organization
• Supply chain and business acumen
• Analytical thinking
• Problem solving
• Customer focus
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Attention to detail
• Results orientation

Why Join Us

• Play a critical role in supporting manufacturing operations and customer delivery performance
• Partner with cross-functional teams in a collaborative manufacturing environment
• Influence inventory optimization and supply chain performance
• Opportunities for professional growth within a growing manufacturing organization