Assistant Production Planner Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Description

Located in the heart of Central Minnesota, Virnig Manufacturing has been designing and producing skid steer loader attachments since 1989. From engineering and cutting raw materials to machining, welding, and painting the finished product, all steps of the manufacturing process are done in-house. Today, the family-owned and operated business has grown into a premium attachment manufacturer supplying North America and beyond. By integrating the latest manufacturing technologies and using top-of-the-line materials, Virnig has distinguished themselves as a cut above the rest in the manufacturing industry.

The Purchasing Planner is responsible for ensuring materials and inventory are available to support production schedules and customer demand. This position coordinates purchasing activities, monitors supplier performance and delivery schedules, maintains accurate ERP data, and resolves purchasing and inventory discrepancies. The Purchasing Planner works closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, Sales, Receiving, and Accounts Payable to ensure the timely flow of materials while maintaining accurate inventory levels and supporting efficient manufacturing operations.

Benefits Package Includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Generous PTO including vacation and paid holidays
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Life insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Opportunities for growth and development
• Bonus opportunity

Key Responsibilities:

• Track open purchase orders to ensure timely delivery of materials and proactively resolve shipping or delivery issues.
• Monitor vendor order status and communicate delivery schedules and material availability to internal departments.
• Maintain accurate supplier, inventory, and item information within the ERP system.
• Review and revise purchase orders to ensure accuracy and reconcile discrepancies with packing slips, receipts, invoices, and shipping documentation.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies involving pricing, quantities, damaged materials, freight charges, taxes, billing, and payment issues.
• Coordinate returns, exchanges, warranty claims, and supplier credits as needed.
• Review vendor invoices for accuracy and submit approved invoices to Accounts Payable for timely processing.
• Reconcile vendor statements and assist with resolving billing discrepancies.
• Coordinate with Receiving to verify deliveries and document shortages, overages, damaged materials, or other receiving issues.
• Monitor inventory levels of in-house fabricated components to ensure production requirements are met.
• Review daily inventory reports and identify items requiring replenishment.
• Track production output against inventory requirements and customer demand.
• Analyze inventory trends to maintain appropriate inventory levels while minimizing excess stock.
• Communicate inventory status, material shortages, and supply concerns with Production, Sales, and leadership.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Quality regarding engineering changes, part revisions, and specification updates that affect inventory.
• Assist Sales by providing accurate information regarding part availability and expected supply.
• Create and maintain consumable supply part records within the ERP system.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with suppliers and internal customers.
• Recommend process improvements to improve inventory accuracy, material flow, and purchasing efficiency.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Two or more years of experience in production planning, purchasing, inventory control, or manufacturing preferred.
• Experience using ERP or MRP systems required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with suppliers and internal departments.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team environment.

Skills:

• Understanding of manufacturing processes, inventory management, and purchasing principles.
• Ability to interpret inventory reports, purchase orders, invoices, and shipping documents.
• Strong mathematical and analytical abilities.
• Ability to identify discrepancies and resolve issues efficiently.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong customer service mindset with both internal and external customers.
• Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to identify opportunities for process improvements.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk throughout the workday.
• Frequent use of computers and office equipment.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to access manufacturing and warehouse areas as needed.
• Working Conditions
• Primarily office environment with frequent interaction on the manufacturing floor.
• Regular communication with suppliers, production personnel, engineering, receiving, quality, and sales.
• Occasional overtime may be required to support business needs.

VIRNIG MANUFACTURING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, familial status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, disability, military service, veteran status, gender identity, status with regard to public assistance, or any other class protected by law. The company provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with known disabilities, unless doing so would cause undue hardship for the Company.