About Us:
Kirk-Rudy has been a trusted name in the design and manufacture of high-performance inkjet printing, packaging, and mail production equipment for over 50 years. Our solutions are engineered and built in the USA to serve a global customer base with exceptional reliability, performance, and value.
Location: Woodstock, GA
Position Overview:
We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Supply Chain and Production Planner to join our team. The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of our production processes and supply chain with a focus on Lean Manufacturing concepts, and continuous improvement in the manufacturing and supply chain departments. The Supply Chain Manager will be a lean manufacturing champion for the organization. They will be data driven; monitoring manufacturing and inventory KPI’s, supporting the Plant Manager for meeting targets for production quality, reduced labor time, minimizing waste, 5S our factory operation, and making sure our ERP and parts picking software systems operate to expectations. This will lead to managing production scheduling with an eye on reducing lead times, and balancing inventory availability with total inventory cost. The Supply Chain Manager will need to be extroverted, yet possess a driven team player personality to work with our manufacturing functional leaders and supply chain team to contribute to our overall production success.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lean Manufacturing Practices: Actively seek out opportunities to eliminate non-value-added activities within the KR supply chain and manufacturing areas with a focus on continuous improvement. Supports Plant Manager in 5S practices throughout the plant. Supports our annuity parts and supplies business by minimizing lead times on parts availability while simultaneously maintaining appropriate inventory levels while driving inventory costs efficiencies.
- Supply Chain: Develop, implement and monitor supply chain strategies that align with production schedules and business objectives. Manage end-to-end procurement processes, ensuring timely sourcing of raw materials, purchased parts and ink supply. Actively and continuously negotiate with suppliers to reduce procurement costs, volume rebates and/or other incentives whether related to inventory or maintenance, repair & operations (MRO) spending.
- Inventory Management: Monitor and manage inventory levels of raw materials and finished goods to ensure there is no disruption to production. Coordinate with purchasing and warehouse teams to order materials as needed. Analyze inventory levels and implement effective stock management strategies to support Kirk Rudy’s expected manufacturing lead times of machines, made in house parts, purchased parts and ink supply.
- Production Scheduling: Develop, maintain, and update production schedules based on demand, material availability, and workforce and factory capacity. Ensure production targets are met while maintaining product quality and safety standards.
- Collaboration: Work closely with the production, procurement, sales, and logistics teams to ensure smooth communication and alignment of production schedules with customer demands and supply chain constraints.
- Resource Allocation: Allocate and manage resources effectively to optimize production flow. Address any production issues or constraints that may affect deadlines or output.
- Troubleshooting: Identify and resolve any production delays or issues, collaborating with relevant departments to implement solutions and minimize downtime.
- Continuous Improvement: Suggest and collaborate on process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve production throughput while maintaining quality standards.
- Reporting: Prepare regular reports on production KPI’s, inventory levels, and performance metrics for management review. Manage action items and projects to completion for Plant Manager and Senior Management team. Will be expected to report to Senior Management regularly on progress and recommended improvements.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s in systems or industrial engineering, supply chain management, operations management, data management or 5+ years of work related experience.
- Lean manufacturing experience and Lean Six Sigma certification.
- Advanced skills in Microsoft suite
- Proven experience as a Production Planner or in a similar planning role within a manufacturing environment. (3-5 years)
- Strong understanding of industrial equipment production processes, inventory control, and supply chain management.
- Proficiency with production planning software and tools (e.g., WMS/MRP/ERP systems).
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and levels.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with an ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards of accuracy and efficiency.
Preferred Skills:
- Knowledge of quality control practices and compliance standards in production.
- Knowledge of GMP’s
- Experience with Syspro 8.0 (Highly Preferred)
- Green Belt Certified in LEAN Manufacturing and continuous improvement
Salary Range: $60000 - $80000 annually, negotiable depending upon experience
Why Join Kirk-Rudy?
- Be part of a U.S.-based engineering and manufacturing team known for innovation and quality.
- Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and hands-on learning.
- Competitive salary and benefits package include health, dental, 401(k), and more.
- Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in the packaging and printing industry.
Kirk-Rudy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, and pregnancy), age, national origin, religion, disability or genetic information, marital status, status as a veteran, or any other federal, state or local protected class.