Purchasing Agent/Production Scheduler

About Lubrizol  
The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a specialty chemical company whose science delivers sustainable solutions to advance mobility, improve wellbeing and enhance modern life. Founded in 1928, Lubrizol owns and operates more than 100 manufacturing facilities, sales, and technical offices around the world and has about 8,000 employees. For more information, visit www.Lubrizol.com.

We value diversity in professional backgrounds and life experiences. By enabling a consistent, unbiased, and transparent recruitment process, Lubrizol seeks to create a positive experience for candidates so we can get to know them at their best. We recognize unique work and life situations and offer flexibility, ensuring our employees feel engaged and fulfilled in every aspect of life.   

Education – Experience Requirements

Five years of experience in manufacturing and/or production planning. Must be proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel. Previous experience with SAP is helpful. A bachelor’s degree in science or business is also helpful for this position.

Background

The Purchasing Agent / Production Scheduler reports to the Plant Manager.  This position works closely with the Warehouse, Production, Customer Service, and Supply Chain functions to ensure that adequate product inventories are maintained through proper production planning and disciplined manufacturing schedules.

Because of the size of the Clifton plant, the Purchasing Agent / Production Scheduler must fulfill several roles. Specific job functions of the Purchasing Agent / Production Scheduler are described as follows:

Specific Job Functions

A:  Inventory Control

1. Determines products that need to be manufactured and establishes a production schedule based on customer demand, safety stock levels, and capacity constraints.

2. Coordinates with Customer Service and Supply Chain functions concerning the availability of made-to-order products and other products that are below safety stock levels.  Notifies Customer Service immediately if due date cannot be met so that the customer can be contacted.

3. Assists to establish safety stock levels for all Clifton manufactured packaged products based on historical usage, sales forecasts, and current customer demand requirements.

4. Closely monitors slow moving and non-working (NWSM) inventories by reworking and blending as production schedule permits.

5. Coordinates with Warehouse Manager to ensure that finished product stock is maintained at an adequate level and that storage space issues are addressed.

B:  Raw Material Procurement

1. Purchases all raw materials that are required to support the production schedule.

2. Confirms pricing of raw materials through interaction with suppliers and Corporate Purchasing.

3. Investigates into alternate suppliers for raw materials based on changes in the marketplace in respect to pricing and availability.

4. Investigates into sources of alternate versions of raw materials in attempt to improve productivity and safety.  Examples are the purchase of fatty acids in bulk versus solid flaked form, and the procurement of granular materials versus powder form which reduces dust exposure to employees during handling.

5. Establishes specific shipping requirements with suppliers regarding tank truck equipment, labeling, pallets, type and size of containers, and delivery times.

6. Represents the Clifton plant with quality and service issues involving raw materials and suppliers.

7. Maintains service / quality records for all raw material suppliers.

8. Assures that applicable suppliers meet RSPO requirements.

C:  Production Planning Scheduling

1. Establishes production schedule based on inventory levels, historical usage, sales forecasts, and customer requirements.  This includes all types of packaging types (pails, drums, totes, and tank trucks).

2. Ensures that raw materials are on hand and/or planned to support the production schedule.

3. Coordinates with Plant Manager on production schedule, bulk raw material deliveries, and packaging requirements.

4. Coordinates with Warehouse Manager on the receipt of packaged raw materials.

5. Monitors production execution versus schedule and coordinates with Plant Manager on production priorities, schedule conflicts, rejected / non-conforming batches, and schedule revisions.

D:  Computer Entry

1. Enters raw material purchase orders into the SAP S4 computer system.

2. Creates bulk and packaged process orders in SAP for individual batches.

3. Generates batch sheets to support the production schedule.

4. Reconciles completed batch sheets and enters raw material consumptions, final product yields, processing times, and container usage into SAP.

5. Reviews batch data in SAP for individual products to reflect current bill of materials, raw material sequencing, yield, and processing time conditions. This effort is coordinated with the Plant Manager and Plant Controller by analyzing variances monthly.

E.  Other Responsibilities

1. Performs back-up role to the Warehouse Manager for all Transportation

      Management related functions within S4.

2. Helps support the Production Department during the absence of the Plant Manager.

3. Maintains inventory levels of totes, filter pads, and other operating supplies that are critical for the plant.

4. Contacts raw material suppliers regarding technical requests.

5. Coordinates the recycling of empty raw material containers.

6. Fills critical role in the annual site physical inventory process.

7. Generates blanket purchase orders with vendors who perform routine services for the plant and laboratory. Included are plant utilities (natural gas and electricity).

8. Purchases many miscellaneous items such as office supplies, plant equipment, and maintenance items.

9. Provides pricing trend information on raw materials to Corporate Purchasing. Also, provides feedback to Corporate Purchasing on supplier performance which is used for the development of contracts.

10. Obtains raw material samples for new products, formulation changes, and supports other sites such as Bowling Green as needed.

       11) Supports the Plant Manager on special projects as required. An example is the

implementation of ISO9001.

12) Supports the Plant Manager on HSE&S related responsibilities that include

       inspections, training, reporting, and permit issuance.

13) Follows all plant safety and ethics rules and procedures. A “team player” attitude     

       is a must for this position.

Ready for your next career step? Apply today and let's shape the future together! 

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As a diverse, global team, we work together to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges. We impact everyday lives through science only Lubrizol can deliver, and we never stop pushing to do it better.

One of the founding principles of The Lubrizol Corporation more than 90 years ago was treating every employee with dignity and respect. That same commitment is only stronger today. 

More than that, we are committed to providing an environment where every employee can be the best they can be, no matter their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic.