Buyer/Planner

About the role

At Tenneco, we don't follow industry standards; we set them, and we don't settle for being best-in-class because we hustle to be better than best-in-class. Whether it's our Core Values – radical candor, simplify, organizational velocity, tenacious execution and win – or our Get Stuff Done (GSD) mindset, we're determined to become the most trusted partner and best manufacturer and distributor to the transportation industry. With a product portfolio as expansive as it is innovative, an obsessive commitment to quality and excellence, and a global presence, we're all about getting stuff done, so we can win. How do we make it happen? Through the Tenneco Way. Fueled by our Core Values, a winning mindset and a relentless commitment to excellence, the Tenneco Way is how we win. It's what keeps Team Tenneco bold, driven, and unapologetically focused on pushing past limits and redefining success. Here, you'll work alongside a team of relentless problem-solvers who are committed to making a tangible impact. If you're ready to break boundaries, deliver results, and enjoy the ride along the way, you'll thrive here. Want to learn more about who we are? Check out our website to discover the Tenneco Way.

Responsibilities

Production Planning & Scheduling

• Develop and maintain production plans based on forecasts, customer demand, inventory levels, capacity constraints, and business requirements using ERP and planning systems.
• Monitor actual production performance against the Master Production Plan and adjust schedules as needed to address changing priorities, demand fluctuations, material availability, and production constraints.
• Review and distribute production, work, and shipment schedules while communicating schedule changes and priorities to manufacturing and cross-functional teams.
• Monitor the flow of materials and finished goods throughout the production process, expediting shop orders as necessary to meet customer and production requirements.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Production, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Shipping, Customer Service, and other departments to ensure effective communication and execution of production plans.
• Track and report production progress, inventory levels, schedule attainment, costs, and operational issues; proactively identify gaps and implement corrective actions.
• Review production reports, open orders, and schedule variances daily to ensure alignment with operational and customer needs.
• Assemble and maintain manufacturing routers and related production documentation.
• Act as the key contact for production and materials teams, tracking shop orders from release through completion.
• Maintain ERP master data, including production planning and material-related information.
• Work closely with Manufacturing, Materials, and Purchasing teams to ensure material availability and efficient order flow throughout the facility.

Direct Materials Responsibilities

• Plan and procure raw materials to support production requirements while maintaining established inventory targets.
• Issue and manage purchase orders for direct materials, including vendor follow-up and order book management.
• Monitor supplier deliveries and resolve material shortages to minimize production disruptions and expedite costs.
• Manage excess, slow-moving, and non-moving inventory by identifying and recommending corrective actions.
• Monitor inventory performance and recommend actions to optimize inventory investment and material availability.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Management, or equivalent.
• Minimum of 5 years Materials/Manufacturing experience.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of inventory management and/or materials planning experience.
• Background in master scheduling, forecasting, procurement and planning.
• Experience in manufacturing, automotive preferred.
• Strong computer, analytical, problem solving, and communications skills.
• Skilled in basic computer software (word processing, spreadsheets, SAP).
• Must be well-organized, detail oriented, and have excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Forward thinking skills and ability to troubleshoot constraints.
• Ability to maintain composure in fast paced work environment.
• Strong Excel skills.
• An ability to relate well to a variety of work styles and work in a team-based organization environment; a work style that develops rapport, listens, builds constructive and effective relationships, uses diplomacy and tact, commands immediate credibility by being not only knowledgeable in technical subject matters, but also by treating people with respect.
• APICS certification is preferred.

Physical demands

• Ability to sit frequently for extended periods of time.
• Ability to move about the plant in both the office and manufacturing areas.
• Ability to travel occasionally.
• Manual dexterity for computer work.
• Ability to communicate in an effective manner.

Work environment

• Office environment – includes, but not limited to, artificial lighting, computers, telephones, desks, temperature controlled.
• Manufacturing environment – includes, but not limited to, artificial lighting, machine/equipment noise, some welding exhaust, non-controlled temperatures, and PPE required.
• Some travel may be required.