Buyer Planner

Rittal, LLC has built a strong tradition of innovation and takes pride in a progressive approach to engineering. We design and manufacture the world’s leading industrial and IT enclosures, racks, and accessories, including high efficiency, high-density power management, and climate control systems for industrial, data center, outdoor and hybrid applications.

The Buyer Planner to support our manufacturing operations in Urbana, Ohio. This role is responsible for planning, purchasing, and coordinating materials to ensure smooth, uninterrupted production in a fast‑paced, high‑mix manufacturing environment.

The Buyer Planner serves as a critical link between production, sourcing, suppliers, and inventory management, balancing daily operational execution with longer‑term planning decisions. Success in this role requires strong analytical skills, hands‑on ERP experience (SAP PP & MM), and the ability to operate confidently on both the shop floor and in an office setting.

Why Join Our Team

• Competitive Compensation - $28.96 - 36.01
• Be part of a collaborative, operationally focused manufacturing organization
• Play a key role in keeping production running efficiently
• Gain exposure to planning, procurement, and supplier management
• Opportunity to grow within supply chain and operations functions

Primary Responsibilities

Material Planning & Production Support

• Create and maintain accurate material requirement plans using SAP/MRP based on forecasts, customer demand, production schedules, and inventory levels.
• Ensure materials are available to support production schedules while minimizing shortages and downtime.
• Work closely with production teams daily to prioritize materials and resolve supply constraints.
• Proactively identify potential material shortages and initiate actions on mitigation.

Purchasing & PO Management

• Execute the full procurement process including purchase order creation, confirmations, rescheduling, expediting, and closure.
• Maintain high accuracy in purchase orders, including pricing, quantities, delivery dates, and supplier information.
• Resolve PO, receipt, and invoice discrepancies in coordination with suppliers and internal teams.
• Manage past‑due and exception purchase orders to support production commitments.

Supplier Coordination & Performance

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned suppliers regarding delivery commitments and material availability.
• Monitor supplier delivery, responsiveness, and lead‑time reliability.
• Communicate supply risks clearly and proactively to internal stakeholders.
• Partner with the Sourcing and Quality teams to address performance gaps and support corrective actions.

Inventory Management & Planning Data

• Manage inventory levels to balance service levels, production needs, and working‑capital objectives.
• Monitor excess, slow‑moving, and obsolete inventory and support reduction initiatives.
• Perform routine safety stock and planning parameter reviews.
• Maintain accurate material master data in SAP, including lead times, lot sizes, and planning settings.

Continuous Improvement & Compliance

• Identify opportunities to improve planning, purchasing, and ERP utilization.
• Participate in cross‑functional continuous improvement and process optimization initiatives.
• Ensure all purchasing and planning activities comply with company policies, audit requirements, and ethical standards.
• Adhere to all safety rules and procedures when working in production areas.

What Success Looks Like

• Production schedules are supported with minimal material‑related disruption
• Purchase orders are accurate, and suppliers deliver reliably
• Inventory levels are optimized without compromising service
• Clear, proactive communication across production, sourcing, and suppliers

Required Qualifications

• Experience in buying , Material planning, or materials management within a manufacturing environment
• Strong working knowledge of SAP PP & MM
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment
• Effective communication skills with both internal teams and external suppliers

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Engineering, Business, or a related field
• Experience in high‑mix or high‑volume manufacturing
• Exposure to continuous improvement or lean manufacturing concepts

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• On‑site role with time split between office and manufacturing floor
• Must be comfortable working in an active production environment
• Ability to lift UP to 25 lbs occasionally
• Required use of safety‑toed footwear, safety glasses, and hearing protection in designated areas

Key Relationships

• Direct Liaison: PPC Manager, Sourcing Team, Raw Material Warehouse, and Production Supervisors.
• External: Cultivate professional, high-accountability relationships with internal and external vendors and customers.

If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may contact the company’s Human Resources Department at (937) 399-0500.

This option is reserved for individuals who require accommodation due to a disability.

Rittal LLC and Eplan are proud to be an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. EEO, including Disability/Vets.