Manager: Production Planning & Control - Material Planning & Buying

Manager - Production Planning & Control, Material Planning & Buying
Proven Leadership, Hard Work, and Innovation Alive and Well in North America
About Rittal LLC
Rittal LLC is a global manufacturer of industrial and IT enclosures, racks, and accessories, including cooling solutions and power management systems for industrial, data center, outdoor, and hybrid applications. As the largest manufacturer of enclosures in the world, Rittal provides innovative, high-quality solutions for practically any industrial or IT infrastructure application, from single enclosures to comprehensive, mission-critical systems. Products are tested and certified to applicable standards including UL, CSA, ATEX, and NEMA. Learn more at rittal.us.  

As the Manager - Production Planning & Control, Material Planning & Buying, you will...
Lead all aspects of production planning, production control, material planning, and direct material purchasing activities to ensure efficient operations and on-time delivery performance. This role is responsible for guiding a team of planners and buyers, optimizing inventory and production flow, and supporting operational excellence initiatives that drive employee engagement, safety, productivity, profitability, and customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate will thrive in a complex, multi-product manufacturing environment and possess strong leadership, analytical, and SAP expertise.

Why Work at Rittal LLC
Great Place to Work® Certified, Rittal LLC offers workplace culture, employee experiences, and collaborative innovation that create a thriving environment.

• Competitive compensation and bonus opportunity - starting at $100,000
• Comprehensive benefits available the first of the month following hire
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid Volunteer Time
• Fitness Reimbursement
• Pet Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Opportunity to work with a global industry leader
• Career growth within an expanding international organization

Key Responsibilities
Production Planning & Buying Leadership

• Lead, develop, and direct a team of production planners and buyers.
• Develop and implement planning strategies that balance customer demand, material availability, and production capacity.
• Ensure timely responses to demand fluctuations while optimizing inventory levels and material availability.
• Guide the effective release, scheduling, and sequencing of production orders.

Production Efficiency & Delivery Performance

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on planning, production control, and purchasing processes.
• Establish and maintain standardized work procedures.
• Monitor delivery reliability and schedule attainment metrics.
• Implement corrective actions to improve operational performance.

Strategic Planning & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate across departments to identify and proactively address production constraints.
• Analyze production and supply chain data to support decision-making.
• Develop action plans to eliminate bottlenecks and improve production flow.
• Identify and implement new technologies and process improvements that enhance efficiency.

Team Leadership & Employee Development

• Foster a positive, engaging, and high-performing work environment.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
• Develop team capabilities and succession planning initiatives.
• Champion safety and continuous improvement culture throughout the organization.

Material Planning & Inventory Management

• Manage direct material planning and purchasing activities.
• Ensure materials are acquired on time and at optimal cost.
• Utilize SAP R/3 for forecasting, purchasing, inventory management, and planning activities.
• Partner with sourcing and procurement teams to support supply chain objectives.

Qualifications
Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or a related field required.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience

• Minimum 5-6 years of progressive experience in Production Planning & Control within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience in direct material planning and purchasing.
• Experience leading teams in a fast-paced production environment.

Technical Expertise

• Advanced knowledge of SAP R/3 required.
• Strong understanding of APO PP/DS (Advanced Planning & Optimization for Production Planning and Demand/Supply).
• SAP HANA experience strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of production planning principles, procurement strategies, and inventory management practices.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Excellent leadership and team development skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management capabilities.
• Ability to prioritize multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Adaptable and proactive approach to changing customer and production demands.
• APICS certification preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly stand, walk, bend, twist, and reach throughout the workday.
• Spend extended periods on the manufacturing floor and/or working at a computer workstation.
• Occasionally lift up to 25 pounds to waist level and above shoulder height.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Mental Requirements

• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Adapt quickly to changing priorities and assignments.
• Manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
• Learn and utilize new software systems and business processes.
• Effectively coach, develop, and motivate employees.
• Communicate professionally with employees, vendors, and customers at all organizational levels.

Safety Requirements

• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) while in manufacturing environments, including:
  • Safety glasses with side shields
  • Safety-toed footwear
  • Hearing protection when required
  • Additional PPE as necessary
• Comply with all customer PPE requirements when visiting customer facilities.

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.