Assume primary role in developing departmental systems, procedures and policies involving purchasing, production and material control. Interface with Quality Department to stay in process for all systems.  Oversee production schedules, including material procurement and manufacturing schedules. Monitor reports and communicate with staff to ensure sufficient materials are available to production and ensure inbound raw materials and outbound shipping schedules are maintained.  Develop supplier relationships to ensure acontinuing source vendor.  Work with Corporate Purchasing as a resource for supplier information and meet locally with supplier representatives.  Devise methods and policies ensuring most efficient and economical movement of all materials in and out of the plant.  Follow Quality procedures to effect change through procedures, work instructions and training.  Take necessary actions to eliminate delays to ensure adherence to production and shipping schedules. Create workflow changes as necessary on an on-going basis for prevention plan for timing issues. Communicate all changes to staff members to ensure engagement and comprehension.  Directs the usage of material to produce the product takinginto consideration numerous variables. Assesses and anticipates material trends and usage based on initial information for new and on-going programs.  Develops systems andprograms to insure effectiveness of the department within quality guidelines and formats. Participates in annual budget forecasts. Reports costs for material and labor within Material Group to Plant Manager as necessary. Oversees prompt shipment schedules to ensure customer requirements are met using resources/tools available, developing assessments and metrics for on-going performance.  Analyses future customer demand toidentify manpower, tooling and equipment needs.  Coordinates physical inventories and entry of same in accordance with established processes. Evaluate and report significant inventory variance, identify root cause and corrective action for inventory discrepancies. Responsible for promoting a safe work environment and preventing injuries using5S, job rotation, and ergonomic work practices.  Safety auditing, tracking of audit closure, participating in incident reviews along with writing or assisting in the 8D process and aiding in corrective action closure. Communication of safety information as necessary and participation in safety meetings and activities is also required. 

Required Qualifications (Experience Level, Skills, Knowledge)

7-10 Minimum Years of Experience within the field.

3-5 Minimum Years of Experience within the automotive industry.

Must be able and willing to travel and work at customer sites, including industrial manufacturing plants which might require climbing, lifting, or working in confined spaces. Previous experience in material planning/purchasing.  Additional Buyer experience in repetitive, just-in-time manufacturing beneficial.  Expertise in use of MRP systems. Previous management experience. Working knowledge of MS Office, Word, Excel and email. Abilityto work in rapidly changing environment. Ability to process time sensitive information and orders to meet deadlines. Ability to accurately communicate toco-workers and management. Effective oral and written communication skills. 10 years of experience in manufacturing production planning and material management, preferred.