Buyer / Planner – Manufacturing

Location: 4400 21st Street, Racine, WI 53405
Company: Diversified Tooling Innovations

Diversified Tooling Innovations is a growing contract machining and tooling company serving a wide range of industries with precision manufacturing solutions. We are looking for a Buyer / Planner who enjoys problem-solving, staying organized, and playing a key role in keeping production running smoothly.

This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to make a direct impact on production flow, supplier performance, and on-time delivery in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What You’ll Do

• Review production schedules and material requirements to determine purchasing needs.
• Create, release, and manage purchase orders to ensure timely delivery of materials and components.
• Monitor inventory levels and adjust order quantities to prevent shortages or excess stock.
• Maintain accurate ERP system data including lead times, pricing, supplier information, and order status.
• Track open orders and follow up with suppliers on delivery commitments, delays, or discrepancies.
• Work closely with production, engineering, quality, and customer service to resolve material-related issues.
• Evaluate supplier performance related to delivery, quality, and responsiveness.
• Support cost‑reduction initiatives through supplier negotiation and alternative sourcing when appropriate.
• Address non-conformances and coordinate return-to-vendor (RTV) or corrective actions when necessary.
• Collaborate with internal teams on new part setup, engineering changes, and material transitions.
• Analyze demand trends and forecast material requirements to support long-term planning.
• Maintain documentation and purchasing records in compliance with company and audit requirements.
• Convert material and production requirements into scheduled shop orders within the ERP/MRP system.
• Sequence jobs based on capacity, due dates, material availability, and work‑center constraints.
• Collaborate with production supervisors to adjust schedules in response to machine downtime, labor shortages, or quality issues.
• Monitor WIP (work‑in‑process) and proactively address bottlenecks or delays that could impact customer deliveries.
• Release shop orders to the floor with complete and accurate routing, BOM, and documentation.
• Review and update planned vs. actual production timelines to support accurate planning and forecasting.
• Coordinate with engineering on new or revised parts to ensure routing and lead‑time data is correct before scheduling.
• Communicate schedule changes to stakeholders including production, customer service, and leadership.
• Ensure alignment between the production schedule and supplier material receipts to avoid downtime.
• Participate in daily production meetings to review progress, identify risks, and adjust priorities accordingly.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems (capacity planning, scheduling, purchasing modules).
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, routings, and bill of materials (BOM).
• Ability to interpret production schedules, forecast data, and demand signals.
• Proficiency in inventory management principles (safety stock, lead times, reorder points, etc.).
• Solid understanding of supply chain concepts, including supplier management and logistics.
• Competence in reading basic engineering drawings, specs, or part documentation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, reporting, and trend tracking.
• Clear and professional communication with suppliers, production, engineering, and customer service.
• Excellent time management — able to balance purchasing, planning, expediting, and administrative duties.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a hands-on manufacturing team where your work truly matters
• Direct impact on production success and customer delivery performance
• Stable, full-time role with room to grow
• Collaborative environment with engineering, production, and leadership

Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Pay: From $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person