Production Planner

Procurement And Inventory ManagerIt is the policy of North American Stamping Group to provide employment, training, promotion, and other conditions of employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or status as a qualified individual with a disability or other status protected by law.General Summary Responsible for the procurement and releasing of raw material and keeping inventory levels on target. Monthly scorecards to suppliers on performance. Maintain MRO inventories to ensure efficient production capabilities, cost management and supplier management and development.Essential Job FunctionsMaintain cost adjustment mechanisms.Maintain annual budget for purchasing costs.Develop cost reduction exercises through:Elimination of waste in value streamEffective supplier negotiationsPurchase price variance opportunitiesRoutinely prepare and evaluate RFQ packages for purchasing requirements.Maintain understanding of influencing factors within our industry.Suggest / implement approved cost savings ideas.Maintain purchase orders for outside processors.Purchase components for all manufacturing processes.Obtain quotes and procure new launch material & quotes.Purchase raw material / components to not exceed inventory targets.Conduct "Spot-buys" when supplier cannot meet requirements.Reconcile raw material inventory to theoretical inventory (cycle counts required to uncover root cause for adjustments).Reconcile raw material inventory to QA hold inventory and return material.Evaluate steel availability per the master schedule.Fill in for purchasing manager during absence.Assist with providing direction to the hourly receiving tech.Assist in preparing for daily production meeting.Track supplier performance (corrective actions where applicable).Assist with maintaining raw material specification sheets for all parts.Suggest / implement approved cost savings ideas.Maintain purchase orders for outside processors.Purchase components for assembly.PPAP parts / engineering support with purchasing.Minimum Qualifications/RequirementsEducation: Prefer Bachelor's degree in purchasing; or minimum 3 years automotive management experience in purchasing, materials management or production management. NAPM (A.P.P. C.P.M.) or APICS (CPIM, CIRM) certification helpful but not requiredExperience: Production control working knowledge. Minimum 3 years in automotive manufacturing purchasing role. Experience in manufacturing setting with a proven track record of delivering results. Prior experience with multi-site responsibility in a manufacturing setting preferred. Production and inventory control education or experience. Will possess the organizational skills necessary to maintain company records in compliance with the materials department and IATF-16949 systems. Must be able to work with all levels of company management as well as customers and vendors.Personal/Technical SkillsGeneral understanding and working knowledge of manufacturing, assembly, and welding equipment and tooling including design, automation, robotics, or manufacturing processes (and all secondary related processes) relating to automotive stamping.Thorough understanding of company product, trade terminology, quality management and control systems and techniques, manufacturing processes including material controls, workflow, scheduling, Kanban, and equipment and machine operation.Ability to coach, mentor, and evaluate others.Must be a self-starter with ability to prioritize workload.Ability to create momentum and foster organizational change.Excellent judgment, problem solving skills, and decision making.Team player; must be able to establish teams and manage projects.Strong negotiation and consulting skills, with the ability to influence others.Talent for recognizing better and innovative ways to accomplish objectives.Proven ability to manage multiple projects done with a limited support staff.Strong customer service orientation with both internal and external customers.Results-driven with a positive attitude, exhibit flexibility, and be adaptable to change.Demonstrated training and presentation skills. Able to influence executive decisions.Ability to develop and implement strategic plans through persuasion, education, and training.Must be data-driven and possess a high level of attention to detail, accuracy, and data analysis.Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities and processes.Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors and others.Ability to communicate on a one-to-one basis and before groups to obtain or provide information.Ability to effectively manage multiple projects/initiatives with budget limits and time constraints.Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with and include others in the organization.Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, logically, persuasively, and accurately, both verbally and in writing.Ability to work independently with minimal supervision; self-starter with high drive and a quality results orientation.Ability to effectively communicate and work well with people at all organizational levels and from various backgrounds.Willing to work in a team environment, adapt to the changing needs of the organization, and provide support as workloads fluctuate.Excellent skills in dealing with fast pace, challenging and often "impossible" situations; must like solving problems and getting the job done.Willingness and ability to collaborate with internal customers and other functional groups to provide optimal solutions while complying with corporate guidelines.Strong leadership skills demonstrated through championing accountability, maximizing team and individual strengths, seeking and implementing change, and aligning with critical plant and business objectives.Language SkillsMust be able to clearly speak, read, write, and understand the primary language (English) used in the workplace.Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups and/or boards of directors.Computer/SoftwareMust demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft Office and other computer-based applications (e.g., MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Outlook, Internet, etc.).Working knowledge and experience with ERP/MRP software.TrainingNew hire orientationEnvironmental, health, & safetyIATF-16949 systemsISO-14001 systemsIntroduction to leanAssociate involvementQuick die change – SMEDWorkplace organization – 5STotal productive maintenance (TPM)TQPS workshopShopEdge ERP systemPurchasing proceduresQCBD document controlWork Environment/ConditionsOffice: Open office environmentPlant: Various types of manufacturing environments. Standard automotive plant environment with moderate noise level. PPE (personal protective equipment) such as safety glasses, steel toe shoes, Kevlar sleeves, hearing protection, etc. may be required in designated engineering, manufacturing or industrial areas. Personal attire standards may apply. Involves moderate or occasional presence of some slightly disagreeable conditions, i.e., cold, dust, heat, odor, etc.TravelMust be willing to travel up to 10% of the time with travel most commonly limited to less than 5%.Physical RequirementsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Although the primary job functions involve the ability to sit and work on a computer and in an office situation for extensive periods of time, the associate must be capable of walking, sitting, and standing for extended periods of time. The associate is frequently required to walk;