Commodity Buyer/Production Planner

Douglas Dynamics, Inc.; Rockland (ME); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous 401(k) match

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Profit sharing for full-time employees

Ongoing learning and development opportunities

Job summary

Douglas Dynamics, Inc. is looking for a Commodity Buyer/Production Planner in Rockland, ME. This role is vital for setting production schedules, collaborating with suppliers, and maintaining inventory control using lean principles. Candidates should hold a two-year associate degree in Business or possess three years of related experience. The company offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for ongoing learning and development. Join a supportive culture that values your contributions and drives innovation.

Qualifications

• Candidate must have familiarity with PFEP, pull systems, and inventory control.
• Experience in level-loaded production planning using lean manufacturing fundamentals is required.
• Confident communicator capable of training and presenting to peers.

Responsibilities

• Set production schedules based on customer demand.
• Work with suppliers to secure material in required quantities.
• Control inventory levels through lean principles.

Skills

Limited knowledge of manufacturing process

Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing

Proficient with Microsoft Office

Education

Two-year Associate Degree in Business or related field

3 years of related work experience

Tools

ERP (TCM a plus)

Job description

Overview

Our focus is on manufacturing and upfitting commercial work truck attachments and equipment. Douglas Dynamics values collaboration, continuous improvement, and empowered decision-making. Our brands include FISHER®, SnowEx®, WESTERN®, HENDERSON®, DEJANA®, and VENCO VENTURO®. We invest in our people and culture to drive innovation, reliability, and performance.

We are committed to a culture where your ideas matter, your contributions are valued, and your growth is supported.

The Role

Commodity Buyer/Production Planner. This role supports customers, strengthens the business, and contributes to the long-term growth of Douglas Dynamics.

How You Will Contribute

• Set production schedules based on forecasted production plans and customer demand.
• Work with internal and external suppliers to secure material in required quantities.
• Control inventory levels through lean principles.

How You’ll Make a Difference

• Collaborate with fellow Commodity Buyer/Production Planners to promote a synergistic team.
• Support short- and long-term strategies that align with CSI business objectives; measure internal and external KPIs to identify opportunities for improvement and provide early warnings based on performance trends.
• Document current-state processes and procedures as a baseline for improvement.
• Share best practices for future-state processes that fit all locations.
• Assist in identifying, prioritizing, and executing cost savings and NPD projects.
• Develop and monitor level-loaded production schedules while ensuring parts and inventories sustain actual production.
• Manage shop orders, Kanbans, re-order points, min/max levels, blanket purchase orders, and inventory flow.
• Identify improvements to enhance process efficiency and maintain synergy across the CSI team.
• Support DDMS learning through 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 related field or 3 years of related work experience.

Licenses/Certifications: Any licenses/certifications related to Materials, Supply and Management are a plus.

Required Skills And Competencies

• Limited knowledge of a manufacturing process or experience in a Lean Manufacturing environment using fundamentals of lean manufacturing equivalent to the DDMS.
• Familiarity with PFEP (Plan For Every Part), pull systems, ERP/MRP, direct ordering and materials inventory control, cycle count programs, and level-loaded production planning (80-16-4 philosophy).
• Working knowledge of Strategy Deployment is a plus.

Other Related Skills And Abilities

• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), ERP (TCM a plus), and basic databases; able to create reports and manage projects.
• Logical and strategic thinker; capable of managing projects and prioritizing workload.
• Confident communicator, capable of training and presenting to peers and management.
• Effective multi-tasker capable of meeting schedules and milestones.
• Team builder able to promote continuous improvement and balance tactical and strategic performance.

What We Offer You

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

At Douglas Dynamics, we are committed to improving, growing, and learning. We encourage diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplaces and invite you to apply. Douglas Dynamics, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.