Production Scheduler & Plant Buyer

Production Scheduler & Plant Buyer

Location: Michigan City, Indiana
Department: Operations / Supply Chain

Position Summary

The Production Scheduler & Plant Buyer is responsible for coordinating plant production schedules and procuring materials required to support manufacturing operations through ERP/MRP systems. This role plays a critical part in aligning customer demand, supplier deliveries, inventory levels, and production capacity to ensure on-time customer shipments while minimizing inventory exposure and operational disruptions.

This position works closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Customer Service, and Suppliers to maintain material flow, support plant performance, and execute reliable production schedules. The ideal candidate is organized, analytical, and capable of proactively identifying and resolving supply chain challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain daily and weekly production schedules based on customer demand and plant capacity.
• Coordinate production priorities with operations leadership to ensure efficient use of labor, equipment, and materials.
• Adjust schedules as needed to address material shortages, equipment downtime, and changing customer requirements.
• Communicate schedule updates and production priorities across the organization.
• Monitor schedule adherence and identify opportunities to improve production flow and throughput.

• Purchase raw materials, components, and packaging required to support manufacturing operations.
• Manage supplier relationships to ensure timely delivery, quality compliance, and cost effectiveness.
• Monitor supplier performance and work with cross-functional teams to resolve delivery and quality concerns.
• Maintain inventory levels that support production requirements while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.
• Issue purchase orders and track supplier commitments to ensure material availability.
• Coordinate supplier schedules, expedite critical shipments, and resolve material shortages.
• Monitor inventory transactions and maintain data accuracy within ERP/MRP systems.
• Perform material planning based on customer demand and production forecasts.
• Identify and address inventory risks, including shortages, overstock, and slow-moving materials.
• Support cycle count activities and inventory accuracy initiatives.
• Participate in root cause investigations related to inventory discrepancies and material availability issues.

• Partner with Production, Engineering, Customer Service, and Plant Leadership to support operational priorities.
• Communicate customer demand changes and material constraints affecting production.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on scheduling accuracy, inventory control, and supplier performance.
• Assist in resolving supply chain issues that impact production and customer deliveries.

• Identify opportunities to improve planning, purchasing, and material flow processes.
• Support key performance metrics related to on-time delivery, supplier performance, inventory turns, and inventory accuracy.
• Participate in plant meetings to communicate material status, supply chain risks, and recovery plans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent manufacturing experience may be considered.

• 3-7 years of experience in manufacturing purchasing, materials planning, production scheduling, or supply chain.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in automotive, commercial vehicle, or other high-volume manufacturing environments preferred.

• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Effective problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Candidate Profile

We are seeking a hands-on supply chain professional with experience balancing production schedules, material availability, supplier performance, and inventory management. The ideal candidate thrives in a manufacturing environment, takes ownership of challenges, and proactively develops solutions that support plant operations and customer satisfaction.

CVG IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc (CVG) is an equal employment opportunity employer such that all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Visa Sponsorship

At this time, we are not providing sponsorship for this role. Applicants must be authorized to work in the country of the job posting location on a full-time basis.

No Unauthorized Referrals from Recruiters & Vendors

Please note that Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc (CVG) and any of its affiliated companies does not seek or accept unsolicited resumes or offers from third party recruiters or staffing agencies associated with any published or unpublished employment opportunities. Any unsolicited information sent to CVG will be considered as unencumbered and free from any fee or charge whatsoever. Only members of our Human Resources Team have the authority to engage or authorize recruiting services, which must be agreed upon before any resume or offer is received.

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Commercial Vehicle Group (CVG) makes no representations or guarantees regarding employment opportunities listed on any third-party website. To protect against career scams, job applicants should take the necessary precautions when interviewing for and accepting employment positions allegedly offered by CVG. Applicants should never provide their national ID numbers, birth dates, credit card numbers, bank account information or other private information when communicating with prospective employers or responding to employment opportunities online. Job applicants are invited to contact CVG through CVG’s website to verify the authenticity of any employment opportunities.