Planning & Buying Manager

About this role

• **Job Type:** Full-Time **Duration:** Permanent **Reporting To:** Plant Manager **Location:** St.
• Paul **About Us** Tate Americas is a key business within Kingspan Data Solutions and is at the forefront of delivering integrated solutions to the rapidly expanding data center market.
• We combine engineering expertise, advanced manufacturing and operational excellence to deliver complex, mission-critical projects for some of the world's largest technology companies.
• With significant investment and ambitious growth plans, Tate is evolving beyond traditional manufacturing to become a fully integrated solutions provider, offering customers a seamless delivery model from design and manufacturing through installation, commissioning and final handover.
• **About the Role** The Planning & Buying Manager is responsible for aligning production capacity, material availability, and supply execution to support business demand and operational performance.
• This role bridges strategic planning and day-to-day execution by leading capacity planning, master scheduling, inventory optimization, and supplier replenishment activities.
• The successful candidate will own the divisional capacity planning process, support S&OP execution, manage inventory and replenishment strategies, and ensure materials are available to support production requirements.
• The role executes against supplier contracts and purchasing agreements established by Strategic Sourcing while driving continuous improvements in planning accuracy, inventory performance, and operational efficiency.
• This position requires a strong blend of analytical capability, supply chain expertise, and leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.
• **What You'll Do** *Capacity Planning & S&OP Leadership* * Own and lead capacity planning processes across manufacturing operations to align production resources with forecasted demand.
• * Develop and maintain master production and material plans based on customer demand, forecasts, inventory levels, and operational constraints.
• * Lead the divisional Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, aligning stakeholders across Operations, Sales, Logistics, Procurement, and Finance.
• * Analyze demand patterns, production trends, inventory positions, and capacity utilization to develop short- and long-term operational plans.
• * Define and manage operating capacity limits to support service, inventory, and production objectives.
• * Balance workloads and capacity across manufacturing sites to maximize service levels and operational efficiency.
• * Identify capacity risks and develop mitigation plans to maintain continuity of supply.
• *Material Planning & Replenishment Management* * Own material availability across manufacturing operations to ensure uninterrupted production.
• * Develop replenishment strategies for raw materials, purchased components, and consumables using appropriate planning methodologies.
• * Apply MRP, Kanban, reorder point, min/max, and safety stock methodologies based on material classification and business requirements.
• * Plan and execute purchase orders against approved supplier contracts and agreements.
• * Monitor inventory levels and optimize stock positions to balance service levels and working capital objectives.
• * Manage replenishment parameters and planning system settings to improve inventory accuracy and supply reliability.
• * Lead inventory reviews and drive corrective actions to eliminate recurring stockouts and excess inventory.
• *Supplier Execution & Supply Continuity* * Execute purchasing activities within established supplier contracts, pricing agreements, and commercial terms.
• * Coordinate directly with suppliers on delivery schedules, quantities, order status, and replenishment requirements.
• * Expedite critical materials and proactively resolve supply disruptions before they impact production.
• * Monitor supplier performance, including on-time delivery and responsiveness.
• * Escalate recurring supply, quality, pricing, or compliance concerns to Strategic Sourcing for resolution.
• * Partner with Strategic Sourcing by providing operational insights, demand trends, and supplier performance feedback.
• *Operational Execution & Performance* * Collaborate closely with Production Scheduling, Operations, Warehouse, and Logistics teams to ensure production readiness.
• * Adjust plans and replenishment priorities in response to changing business requirements.
• * Monitor and report key performance indicators, including: * + Capacity Utilization + Schedule Adherence + Inventory Turns + Inventory Accuracy + Supplier On-Time Delivery + Material Availability + Customer Service Levels * Lead regular stakeholder reviews to communicate performance, risks, constraints, and improvement opportunities.
• * Utilize data analysis and ERP system reporting to identify trends and support informed decision-making.
• *Process Improvement & Team Leadership* * Lead continuous improvement initiatives across planning, scheduling, replenishment, and ERP processes.
• * Standardize planning and inventory management best practices across facilities.
• * Drive Lean, Six Sigma, and operational excellence initiatives focused on efficiency and waste reduction.
• * Develop planning methodologies that improve forecast accuracy, inventory performance, and service levels.
• * Provide leadership, coaching, and development for planning and materials management teams.
• * Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence.
• *Additional Expectations* * Remain compliant with the Code of Conduct and Policies which includes the Kingspan Group Compliance Policy.
• * Ensure that all duties related to product compliance are adhered to in accordance with the Product Compliance Policy, Laws, Regulations, and market demands.
• * Responsible for all tasks to achieve compliance goals and demands of the Compliance Management System.
• * Must raise concerns related to the Compliance Management System to their supervisor, manager, or any member of the Leadership Team, or through the confidential whistle blower service.
• **What You'll Bring** * Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business, Engineering, or a related discipline required.
• * MBA preferred.
• * 5-10 years of experience in capacity planning, supply chain planning, materials management, purchasing, or production planning within a manufacturing environment.
• * Experience leading S&OP and cross-functional planning processes.
• * Experience managing inventory, replenishment strategies, and material planning activities.
• * Demonstrated experience executing supplier contracts and managing operational supplier relationships.
• * Experience balancing capacity planning, inventory optimization, and production support requirements.
• * Experience in multi-site manufacturing environments preferred.
• * Advanced ERP system experience (Infor XA preferred; SAP, Oracle, JDA, or equivalent acceptable).
• * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex operational data.
• * Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies preferred.
• * Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• * Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive execution through others.
• * Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• * Willingness to travel as required.
• **What You'll Get** * *Pay range: $140000 USD to $160000 USD.
• This role is eligible for a discretionary bonus* * *Career Scope and Advancement:* As we grow, new positions and career opportunities arise, offering accelerated paths for the right candidates, locally and globally.
• * ***World of Wellness*** Philosophy: We empower you to take charge of your health and well-being.
• You'll have access to a wide range of medical, dental, and vision benefits, along with personalized guidance from a "Health Advocate." We also offer other supplemental options, including 401k, legal, disability, and theft insurance, to ensure your financial wellness.
• * *Corporate Social Responsibility:* Through **Planet Passionate** we are determined to reduce our manufacturing carbon (CO2e) emissions to as close to zero as technically possible, together with halving carbon intensity in our primary supply chain.
• We are very involved in our community, and you will have ample opportunities to support us in creating a better world.
• * *Skills Development:* Given the dynamic pace of our business and a strong collaborative environment, your new role will be diverse and multifaceted - allowing you to be more versatile and develop a broader skill set.
• * *Mentorship and development:* At Tate, we don't believe in hierarchy; we work together as one team for one common goal.
• You will have access and exposure to our senior leaders and experts for learning in your role, and additional mentorship for the future.
• * *Culture:* We have a great team of culture, highly collaborative, supportive, and social skills.
• Together we innovate, collaborate, take ownership, and strive for excellence.
• Stay connected with us on *LinkedIn* (https://www.linkedin.com/company/tate-access-floors/mycompany/verification/) for insights into life at Tate.
• Join us in our mission to make a difference through exceptional solutions.
• Tate Inc.
• is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics.
• We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.
• Employment may be contingent upon completion of post-offer requirements in accordance with applicable law.
• #IND123 Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
• For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.

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