Commodity Buyer/Production Planner

Douglas Dynamics; Rockland (ME); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous 401(k) match

Profit sharing for full-time employees

Ongoing learning and development opportunities

Job summary

Douglas Dynamics in Rockland, Maine, is looking for a Commodity Buyer/Production Planner to enhance production efficiency. This role includes setting production schedules based on forecasts, working closely with suppliers to control inventory levels, and assisting in cost-saving projects. Candidates should have an Associates Degree in Business or equivalent experience and knowledge of ERP/MRP systems. The position offers competitive salary, 401(k) matching, and opportunities for career development in a diverse and inclusive workspace.

Qualifications

• Two year Associate Degree in Business or 3 years of related work experience.
• Licenses/certifications related to Materials Supply and Management are a plus.
• Limited knowledge of Lean Manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Set production schedules based on forecasted demand.
• Work with suppliers to control inventory levels.
• Support execution of short and long term strategies.

Skills

Limited knowledge of manufacturing process

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Logical and strategic thinker

Effective multi-tasker

Effective team builder

Education

Two year Associate Degree in Business

3 years of related work experience

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Excel

Access databases

Job description

HOW WE DO IT

Our Core Values — Grow, Improve, and Engage — define who we are and guide how we work every day. We bring these values to life through our Winning Behaviors, which shape how we serve our customers, support one another, and succeed together:

• Be Customer & Results Driven – Consider the customer in everything you do and focus on meaningful outcomes.
• Anticipate the Possibilities – See around corners and embrace ideas that move our business forward.
• Collaborate & Care – Work together and support our customers, communities, and each other.
• Communicate Responsibly – Build trust through thoughtful listening and clear communication.
• Develop Self & Others – Take ownership of your growth while helping others do the same.
• Get Better Every Day – Continuous improvement is at the heart of how we work — every day.

THE ROLE

We are seeking a Commodity Buyer/Production Planner to join our team and help drive our continued success. This role plays an important part in supporting our customers, strengthening our business, and contributing to the long-term growth of Douglas Dynamics.

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE

Set production schedules based on the forecasted production plan and customer demand. Work with internal and external suppliers to bring in material as required in the quantity required. Work to control inventory levels through lean principles.

HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

• Work with fellow Commodity Buyer/Production Planners to promote a synergistic Team.
• Support the execution and sustainment of short and long term strategies that support the overall CSI business objectives and initiatives. This includes the measurement of internal and external KPI (Key Performance Indicators) that proactively identify opportunities for improvement, while providing warning signals for potential problems based on performance trends.
• Support the documentation of all locational current state processes and procedures as a baseline for improvement.
• Share “best practices” for the development and transition of new future state processes and procedures that “best fit” all locations.
• Assist in the identification, prioritization and execution of cost savings projects and NPD (New Product Development) projects
• Develop and monitor level loaded production schedules while managing the supply of parts and inventory at sufficient levels to sustain actual production performances to plan.
• The management of shop orders, internal and external Kanbans, re-order points, min/max levels, blanket purchase orders and the flow of inventory.
• Identify improvements that facilitate process efficiency and accuracy; keeping in mind that all processes and tools must remain synergistic throughout the CSI Team.
• Support the learning of the DDMS through participation of internal 3P/Kaizen events.
• Provide effective feedback to facilitate individual and team growth.

WHAT THIS ROLE NEEDS

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: Two year Associate Degree in Business or other related field or 3 years of related work experience.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS: Any licenses/certifications related to Materials Supply and Management a plus.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

• Limited knowledge of a manufacturing process or experience in a Lean Manufacturing organization using the fundamentals of lean manufacturing equivalent to the DDMS.
• Limited knowledge of using, supporting, and executing the following strategies, systems and programs is highly attractive:
  • PFEP (Plan For Every Part) strategy.
  • Electronically and visually managed pull systems.
  • ERP/MRP (Enterprise/Manufacturing Resources/Requirements Planning) systems.
  • Direct ordering and materials inventory control
  • A Cycle Count program
  • Level loaded production planning (80-16-4 philosophy)
• Working knowledge of Strategy Deployment is a plus.

OTHER RELATED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Proficient user of Microsoft Office software products, i.e. Excel, Word and Power Point, ERP (TCM a plus), general Access databases; capable of using and creating documents and basic tools to manage projects create reports and improve task efficiency.
• Logical and strategic thinker; capable of developing and managing projects and performing tactical tasks while prioritizing the current workload amidst future opportunities.
• Confident communicator both verbally and written; capable of training/mentoring teammates and presenting projects to peer and middle management groups throughout the organization.
• Effective multi-tasker; capable of balancing multiple projects/tasks with accountability to meeting schedules and critical milestone deadlines.
• Effective team builder; able to positively influence teammates to keep an open mind for:
  • Supporting change to promote the continuous improvement and development of synergistic, efficient processes within the CSI team through the identification and elimination of waste in the current state.
  • Transitioning to and maintaining a suitable balance between tactical and strategic performance expectations of the Commodity Buyer/Production Planner position.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

• A fulfilling career with the opportunity to contribute to an industry leader
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Generous 401(k) match
• Profit sharing for all full-time employees
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities, including access to Douglas Dynamics University (DDU)

At Douglas Dynamics, we don’t just talk about improvement — we live it. We’re committed to creating an environment where people can grow, ideas are encouraged, and learning never stops. Your development matters here, and we are invested in helping you build a rewarding career.

Don’t meet every requirement? Studies show that women, people of color, and historically underrepresented talent are less likely to apply unless they meet every qualification. At Douglas Dynamics, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace — and we encourage you to apply.

Douglas Dynamics, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against qualified applicants based on race, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.