Planning & Buying Manager

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 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