Operations Specialist & Materials Resource Planning- [Christy Refractories]

WHY JOIN USOpportunity to play a key role in a fast-paced manufacturing environment supporting production, inventory, purchasing, vendor coordination, logistics, sales, and operations.Work with the systems and processes that help keep materials available, inventory accurate, inbound and outbound logistics moving, production on schedule, and customer commitments on track.Excellent culture and supportive leadership that values initiative, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the organization.Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, and holidays.Work for an established industry leader (over 100 yrs old!) with a strong reputation for quality and service.POSITION SUMMARYChristy Refractories is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Operations Support Specialist to support the day-to-day flow of information, materials, and orders within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role works closely with production, inventory, purchasing, sales, logistics, vendors and other internal teams to help ensure materials are available, inventory is effectively managed, vendor commitments are met, orders are processed accurately, and production and delivery requirements are met.A key part of this position involves working with MRP to support material planning, inventory coordination, and production scheduling. The Operations Support Specialist will also communicate and coordinate with vendors regarding material availability, order status, lead times, deliveries, and other supply needs. This role will also be involved in Christy's transition to a new ERP system, helping support new processes and improve information flow across the organization.The ideal candidate is comfortable working with manufacturing systems and data, managing multiple priorities, identifying potential issues, and coordinating across departments and with external vendors to keep operations moving efficiently.This is a full-time, on-site position based in our office, operating during typical business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Though this is an in-office role, we can work remotely from time to time.POSITION DETAILSSupport daily manufacturing operations by coordinating information and activities across production, inventory, purchasing, logistics, sales, vendors and other departments.Work within MRP and other company systems to enter, review, and maintain accurate information related to orders, inventory, materials, purchasing, and production requirements.Support material planning activities by monitoring material needs, inventory availability, vendor lead times and information that impacts production schedules.Communicate directly with vendors regarding purchase orders, material availability, lead times, order status, delivery schedules, and discrepancies.Develop and maintain effective vendor relationships and follow up proactively to help ensure materials and supplies are available when needed.Process and maintain orders and related documentation accurately and efficiently.Monitor order, material, and production status and proactively identify potential shortages, delays, or other issues.Coordinate with production, purchasing, inventory, logistics, and sales to help resolve operational issues and support on-time delivery.Support inventory accuracy and availability by monitoring inventory levels, researching discrepancies, and coordinating material movement as needed.Assist with inbound and outbound logistics, including coordinating shipments, deliveries, carriers, and related documentation as needed.Maintain accurate records, documentation, and data within company systems.Assist with inventory management, purchasing, reporting, scheduling, and other operational functions as needed.Communicate operational and order updates to appropriate internal teams and external contacts.Prioritize tasks and respond with urgency in a fast-paced manufacturing environment where priorities may change quickly.Support the transition to a new ERP system and adapt to evolving processes, systems, and workflows.Identify opportunities to improve processes, data accuracy, workflow, and operational efficiency.Demonstrate strong follow-through and accountability for assigned responsibilities.Perform other duties as assigned.EDUCATION & EXPERIENCEHigh school diploma or GED required; associate degree or bachelor's degree preferred.Previous experience in manufacturing operations, production support, materials planning, inventory, purchasing, logistics, order management, vendor management, or a related field preferred.Experience communicating and coordinating with vendors, suppliers, carriers, or other external business partners preferred.Previous experience with MRP, ERP, or other manufacturing systems preferred.Experience supporting an ERP implementation or system transition is a plus.Understanding of how orders, inventory, purchasing, materials, and production schedules interact within a manufacturing operation is a plus.Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook, Excel, Word, and Teams.Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Ability to analyze information, identify potential issues, and coordinate with others to find solutions.Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a cross-functional team environment.Who Thrives HereExperience or a strong understanding of manufacturing operations and workflows.Comfort communicating professionally with vendors and other external partners and following through on commitments, issues, and changing requirements.Confidence working with manufacturing systems, data, and detailed information, with the ability to learn and adapt to new technology and processes.Exceptional attention to detail and follow-through.The ability to understand how decisions in one area-such as inventory, purchasing, or scheduling-can affect production and delivery.Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.A sense of urgency and accountability for results.Strong communication and cross-functional coordination skills.A continuous improvement mindset and willingness to learn.Christy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, or disability. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. Drug Screen & Background Check DisclaimerAll offers of employment at any Christy are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates and all employees promoted, as deemed necessary.Background checks will include:Social Security Verification: validates the applicant's Social Security number, date of birth, and former addresses.Criminal History: includes a review of criminal convictions and probation. The following factors will be considered for applicants with a criminal history:The nature of the crime and its relationship to the position.The time since the conviction.The number (if more than one) of convictions.Whether hiring, transferring, or promoting the applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, or its customers and vendors.Drug Screen: Christy is a drug and alcohol-free workplace and has a drug and alcohol testing program consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. After a conditional offer of employment, individuals will be required to submit and pass a pre-employment drug test as a condition of employment.Additional background searches will be required if applicable to the position:Essential Functions Test: This test evaluates functional and physical capabilities to determine whether the candidate is able or unable to perform essential job tasks, with or without accommodation. The candidate will receive guidance on body mechanics, proper lifting, and posture so that daily tasks can be safely performed.Motor Vehicle Records: provides a report on an individual's driving history in the state requested. This search will be run when driving is essential to the position or when driving a company vehicle is required.Credit History: confirms candidate's credit history. This search will be run for positions that involve the management of Christy funds and handling of cash or credit cards.Personal and Professional References: The applicant will send a virtual/email to individuals listed as references.Educational Verification: confirms the applicant's claimed educational institution, including the years attended and the degree/diploma received.Background check information will be maintained in a file separate from employees' personnel files. Christy reserves the right to modify this policy at any time without notice.