Operations Planner and Buyer

About Us

For more than 45 years, M&M Quality Grinding has been a trusted partner in precision bar stock grinding. Founded in 1981 and located in Hodgkins, Illinois, M&M plays a critical role in our customers' supply chains by delivering high-quality, tight-tolerance grinding services. We serve a wide range of customers such as medical, commercial and industrial manufacturing, and steel distribution. Our customers rely on us for consistency, accuracy, and on-time delivery, and our success begins with our people. We believe technology will never exceed the value of our most important resource: our team. Whether you're experienced, early in your career, or somewhere in between, we welcome hard-working, honest individuals who take pride in making a difference. M&M Quality Grinding is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and works hard to create a respectful, welcoming workplace for everyone.

About the role

The Operations Planner & Buyer is responsible for effectively scheduling and coordinating the workflow across various departments to ensure timely delivery and operational efficiency. This role involves managing work orders within the company's ERP system, procuring all necessary raw materials, and coordinating with external vendors for outsourced processes to meet production schedules. The Operations Planner & Buyer plays a crucial role in optimizing resources and supporting the company's commitment to delivering high-quality, on-time products. You will work closely with Operations, Sales, Customer Service, Maintenance/Automation, and Shipping/Receiving to support production schedules, optimize resources, and uphold M&M's commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of experience required in production planning and/or purchasing in a machine shop or manufacturing environment, with a high school diploma
• Preferred Graduate with a bachelor's degree (business, math, or related field)
• Strong math, analytical, and computer skills
• Self-starter with a positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Excellent PC skills; Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 facility experience essential
• Spanish language capabilities desirable

Responsibilities

• Purchase raw material and tooling for machining jobs
• Plan and schedule production orders based on customer demands using Global Shop Solutions (ERP)
• Review production orders (routers) created during estimating process for accuracy
• Update work order changes daily to ensure accurate information in ERP
• Oversee inventory, adjusting as needed to ensure accuracy
• Track vendors performance/compliance with schedule
• Coordinate ship dates and update team as needed
• Run various production and inventory reports on a daily/weekly and monthly basis for team and efficient management of schedule, inventory levels and tooling inventory
• Streamline and manage the production of machined parts and secondary operations including centerless grinding operations
• Create processes and training programs to maximize employee efficiency, manage projects, schedule, resource allocation etc
• Create effective work-flow processes, initiating lean projects
• Manage inventory control of raw material & finished goods
• Investigate and document any workplace accidents, injuries, or near misses, analyzing root causes and implementing preventive measures to prevent recurrence
• Stay current with industry best practices, emerging trends, and regulatory updates related to workplace safety, incorporating relevant changes into the safety program as needed
• Serve as the primary point of contact for safety-related inquiries, concerns, or suggestions from employees, and demonstrating a commitment to addressing safety issues promptly and effectively
• Create and update Work Instructions to document processes accurately and improve efficiency

Additional Responsibilities

• Identify and support continuous improvement opportunities
• Assist with client tours, meetings, and follow-up activities
• Provide back-up to other engineering and customer service team members when needed
• Other projects and duties as assigned to support sales, customer service, engineering, and management as needed
• Conduct oneself in a manner consistent with company mission, values, code of ethics, policies, and other standards of conduct

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Matching 401(k) contribution up to 5%
• Paid Time-off and Ten (10) Paid Holidays
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to walk, stand, sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel parts. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms and occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, and crouch. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or more with appropriate assistance.

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Ear protection may be required for certain processes. Closed-toed shoes and eye protection are required for all activity on the shop floor.