The Operational Procurement & Planning Coordinator is responsible for supporting production operations through effective production planning, material procurement, inventory management, and supplier coordination. This role ensures that raw materials, tooling, and production resources are available to meet customer requirements while maintaining optimal inventory levels and cost efficiency. The position serves as a key liaison between Production, Customer Service, Purchasing, Vendors, and Operations to support on-time delivery and operational excellence.

Production Planning

• Develop and maintain production schedules to support customer delivery requirements and operational efficiency.
• Coordinate production priorities with Operations, Production, Customer Service, and Sales teams.
• Monitor production schedules and proactively manage changes due to customer demand, material availability, equipment downtime, or capacity constraints.
• Schedule machine downtime, maintenance activities, and production adjustments as required.
• Analyze production capacity and material constraints to minimize disruptions and maximize throughput.

Procurement & Supplier Management

• Purchase raw materials, components, tooling, and related supplies based on forecasted and actual production demand.
• Generate, monitor, and manage purchase orders through the company's ERP/MRP system.
• Communicate with suppliers regarding order status, lead times, pricing, quality concerns, and delivery performance.
• Expedite critical material shipments and manage delayed deliveries to minimize production interruptions.
• Maintain strong supplier relationships and participate in supplier performance reviews.
• Communicate vendor price increases and supply chain risks to management in a timely manner.

Inventory Management

• Monitor inventory levels to ensure adequate material availability while minimizing excess inventory.
• Review inventory reports, usage trends, and forecasts to support purchasing decisions.
• Manage vendor-managed inventory (VMI) programs and coordinate replenishment activities.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and investigate inventory variances.
• Collaborate with Operations and Finance teams to improve inventory turns and inventory accuracy.

Material & Production Coordination

• Ensure raw materials, artwork, tooling, and production resources are available to support manufacturing schedules.
• Coordinate make-and-hold inventory programs with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Verify authorization requirements for make-and-hold programs before implementation.
• Work closely with Production Management to support overtime, weekend schedules, and urgent customer requirements.
• Facilitate communication among departments to resolve supply chain and scheduling issues.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Prepare and analyze production, inventory, purchasing, and supplier performance reports.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) including inventory levels, supplier delivery performance, schedule adherence, and material availability.
• Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes, production planning, and operational efficiency.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to supply chain and manufacturing operations.
• Participate in vendor meetings and operational planning discussions.

Qualifications

Education

• Associate's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience will be considered.

Experience

• 2-5 years of experience in procurement, production planning, scheduling, inventory control, or supply chain operations preferred.
• Experience within the label, packaging, printing, or converting industry highly desirable.
• Manufacturing environment experience strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of procurement, inventory management, and production planning principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Plex, or similar).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across departments and with external suppliers.
• Detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to make sound business decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Competencies

• Planning & Scheduling
• Procurement Management
• Inventory Control
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Data Analysis
• Attention to Detail
• Communication & Collaboration
• Decision Making
• Time Management
• Continuous Improvement Mindset

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based environment within a manufacturing facility.
• Regular interaction with production floor personnel and suppliers.
• Occasional exposure to manufacturing environments, including noise and machinery.
• May require occasional overtime to support operational requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain seated and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Frequent use of computer, telephone, and office equipment.
• Ability to move throughout office and production areas.
• Occasionally lift and carry items up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret reports, data, and production schedules.

Reports To: Operations
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary Range: $65,000 - $70,000 annually