POSITION SUMMARY
The Purchasing & Planning Manager is responsible for overseeing production planning, material procurement, inventory management, and purchasing operations to ensure uninterrupted production, optimal inventory levels, and cost-effective supply chain performance. Leads the purchasing and planning team, manages ERP data integrity, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and collaborates with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and suppliers to achieve operational objectives. This role is a full-time, on-site position supporting Supply Chain operations at Hale Products in Ocala, FL.
Hale Products is a leading manufacturer of fire pumps, valves, and foam systems, delivering reliable water flow solutions trusted by fire and emergency response professionals worldwide. It operates as a business unit within IDEX Corporation’s Fire & Safety group, alongside other major rescue and fire‑protection brands.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Coordinate material supply volumes and review MRP outputs to ensure alignment with production requirements, inventory policies, and contractual obligations.
- Create and release production work orders and purchase orders for internal and external suppliers to support manufacturing schedules.
- Monitor material availability and provide status updates to Production Control and Manufacturing teams.
- Manage raw materials for customized and non-MRP products.
- Maintain ERP/MRP system accuracy, including supplier performance data, inventory records, BOMs, lead times, lot sizes, and minimum order quantities.
- Own inventory accuracy initiatives, including physical inventories, cycle counting programs, inventory reconciliation, and ERP corrections in partnership with Finance.
- Supervise cycle counters and ensure inventory control procedures are followed.
- Manage supplier performance, resolve material shortages, and coordinate disposition and return of defective materials.
- Standardize and improve plant-wide work order processing and material planning procedures.
- Recommend and implement inventory management strategies such as Kanban, Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), Point-of-Use inventory, and other lean supply chain practices.
- Track and report key performance indicators including inventory accuracy, supplier delivery performance, material availability, and planning effectiveness.
- Lead, develop, and mentor planners and materials personnel, establishing performance expectations and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
- All other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND REQUIRED ABILITIES
- Experience in purchasing, production planning, materials management, and inventory control within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong ERP/MRP systems knowledge.
- Proven leadership, analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively across Operations, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and Supply Chain functions.
- Advanced knowledge of inventory control and manufacturing planning principles.
- Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and supply chain reporting tools.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations Management, or related field preferred.
- 5+ years of experience in purchasing, production planning, materials management, or supply chain operations.
- 2+ years of leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand and walk. The employee may be occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or over 50 pounds with assistance. May be exposed to various workplace hazards, including chemicals, machinery, and noise. Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.
