What are the responsibilities and job description for the Buyer Planner position at Lodge Cast Iron?
Buyer Planner
South Pittsburg, TN (hybrid)
ABOUT LODGE CAST IRON
We got our start over 125 years ago when Joseph Lodge founded the Blacklock Foundry in South Pittsburg, TN. His scrappy, hardworking spirit continues to lead us today. As a team, we believe cast iron is for everyone. We’re dedicated to manufacturing American-made cookware that we’re proud to use in our very own homes and excited to bring to kitchens, backyards, and campfires around the world. Day in and day out, we work together to stay safe, have fun, and be better than we were the day before.
WHAT FIRES US UP?
By now, you may have caught on to the fact that we’re serious about spreading the joys of cast iron. And while we’re always on the lookout for ways to innovate, we believe in the adage: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. That’s why we stand by a simple recipe of just iron and oil (no forever chemicals, since forever!). It’s also why we’re passionate about keeping our campus in our hometown of South Pittsburg, Tennessee, providing great jobs to our community. As we bring our cookware to the next generation of cast iron chefs, we’re looking for people to help us stay true to our roots every step of the way. Does that sound like something you can get behind?
A DAY IN THE LIFE
Reporting to the Purchasing Manager, the Buyer Planner position is on-site at the distribution center 3 days a week with 2 remote days. The Buyer Planner is responsible for ensuring the timely availability of materials to support production while optimizing inventory levels and minimizing supply chain disruptions. This position combines purchasing execution with inventory planning, demand analysis, supplier coordination, and data-driven decision making. The ideal candidate possesses the knowledge and skills to communicate with team members at every level of the company (such as Managers and Supervisors, Shipping and Receiving, Demand Planner, Marketing), and suppliers while using data to support planning and purchasing decisions.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Analyze inventory levels, usage trends, and demand requirements to ensure material availability
- Create and manage purchase orders to support production schedules and inventory targets.
- Monitor supplier deliveries, lead times, and open orders to prevent material shortages.
- Maintain planning parameters within the Excel/ERP/MRP system.
- Review data recommendations and take appropriate purchasing actions.
- Identify potential shortages, supply risks, and inventory imbalances and develop corrective action plans.
- Work closely with Production, Operations, Engineering, and Customer Service to align material supply with business requirements.
- Develop and maintain inventory, purchasing, and supplier performance reports.
- Analyze inventory turns, excess inventory, slow-moving inventory, and stock-out trends.
- Support new product introductions by coordinating material availability and supplier readiness.
- Track and report key supply chain metrics including inventory levels, shortages, supplier performance, and material availability.
- Utilize data analysis to improve planning accuracy, inventory efficiency, and overall supply chain performance.
- Perform any and all other job related tasks as assigned.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
- High School diploma required; Associate or Bachelor's degree preferred.
- 2 years in purchasing, planning, inventory control, or supply chain within manufacturing
SUMMARY OF NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS:
- Advanced Excel skills including Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, SUMIFS, INDEX/MATCH, and dashboard reporting.
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to analyze inventory, demand, and supply data to support business decisions.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Experience with Power BI or similar reporting tools preferred.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:
- Competitive Pay
- Generous Paid Time Off
- Insurance Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription, Life, and Short-Term Disability)
- On-Site Clinic and Fitness Center
- 401K Match and Deferred Profit-Sharing Program
- Quarterly Profit Sharing
- Employee Assistance Program
- Scholarship Opportunity and Tuition Reimbursement
- $150 Boot Allowance
- Employee Discount at Lodge Factory Store and Big Bad Breakfast
- Safety, Holiday, and Celebration Events
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Lodge Manufacturing does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, veteran status, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law).