Production Planner & Purchasing Specialist

Building the people that build the world.

With platforms in HVAC and Detection and Measurement, SPX Technologies builds innovative solutions that enable a safer, more efficient, sustainable world.  Through our RiSE talent development framework, we Reach, Identify, Strengthen, and Engage our employees to support them in their continued development.  We’re a global company of problem solvers, collaborators, and innovators, and our businesses build solutions that impact the world. 

As part of HVAC Cooling, SPX Cooling Technologies is a leader in high quality industrial HVAC equipment used to cool large facilities like hospitals, data centers, and power plants.   With cooling towers, fans, and refrigeration units, companies rely on brands like Marley, Recold, and SGS to provide comfort and mission critical and industrial cooling solutions.

How you will make an Impact (Job Summary)

SPX is a diverse team of unique individuals who all make an impact. As a Production Planner and Purchasing Specialist, you will support the operations team by ensuring that new parts are assigned to suppliers in SAP and work with internal and external stakeholders on engineering changes from a specification and cost modification perspective. You will also be responsible for the planning and scheduling of product to meet customer demand within a manufacturing environment. This is a hands-on position and will analyze capacity and inventory and draw conclusions on how to maximize customer satisfaction and minimize cost.

What you can expect in this role (Job Responsibilities)

While each day brings new opportunities at SPX, your core responsibilities will be centered around: new components needing cost information, engineering changes that need to be relayed to suppliers, planning and scheduling, materials & inventory support, and manufacturing support & continuous improvement.

1. Newly released components:

• Gather specifications and drawings, bill of material information, quantities needed and other relevant data and obtain quotes from suppliers.
• Identify the approved suppliers for the parts needing to get quoted.
• Coordinate / escalate with Strategic Sourcing per policy
• Create Info records in SAP with supplier pricing and lead time.
• Document cost changes.
• Extend sourcing assignments to other plants as needed.
• Swiftly execute SAP input for buyers to place purchase orders from the correct source.
• Work with aftermarket and engineering to meet timelines for data entry.

2. Engineering changes:

• Manage the Engineering Change Order (ECO) process from a purchasing perspective: review changes, bill of materials and products impacted.
• Relay appropriate information to active supplier for the affected component or assembly.
• Coordinate / escalate with Strategic Sourcing as required.
• Report cost ramifications through to sourcing

3. Planning and Scheduling

• Develop production schedules and manage production orders, ensuring accurate scheduling and sequencing of manufacturing.
• Create and add to production schedule manufacturing work orders to build sub-assemblies and finished goods.
• Review MRP schedules, consignment Kanban requirements, and related information and confer with department supervisors to determine material requirements.
• Continuously monitor production progress and adjust schedules as needed to meet customer demands

• Troubleshoot problem situations and coordinate the rearrangement of production schedules with affected departments to supply required assemblies and subassemblies at the proper time
• Setup new item material master product data management including safety stock, VMI, etc.….

4. Materials & Inventory Support

• Identify material shortages, constraints, other issues that may impact production schedules and coordinate the rearrangement of schedules with affected departments
• Evaluate finished goods demand to determine if components are in house
• Evaluate finished goods demand to determine if all sub-assemblies are built or purchased and available
• Address any inventory adjustments by replacing with different scheduled finished goods.

• Monitor in-plant transfer of materials to meet production standards.
• Monitor supplier deliveries to meet production schedules.

• Calculate amount of material required to complete job orders.

5. Manufacturing Support & Continuous Improvement

• Drive improvements in the overall process efficiencies and communications to key stakeholders.
• Work with engineering on any changes to BOMs and ensure all manufacturing work orders reflect recent changes.

• Work with customer service and sales to expedite hot or past due orders.
• Thoroughly communicate material shortages to pertinent production team.
• Monitor production capacity utilization and recommend measures to enhance operational efficiency and minimize bottleneck
• Participate in other projects as assigned that relate to the overall goals of the department
• Working exception reports to resolve inventory and financial opportunities

What we are looking for (Experience, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education)

We each bring something to the table, and we are looking for someone who has:

Required Experience

• 1-2 years working with SAP or other ERP systems

• Experience in Supply Chain or Manufacturing environments a plus.
• Proven track record of performance.

• Prior planning experience in manufacturing operations.

• Prior production scheduling experience

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic technical acumen related to engineering drawings, specifications
• Demonstrates strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills
• Responsive and flexible
• Cooperative and collaborative approach
• Experience with Microsoft Suite – Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Able to meet deadlines and keep track of changes.

• Experience with an ERP Systems, particularly in Planning and Scheduling

• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Continuous improvement mindset, with a proactive approach to identifying and implementing process enhancements.
• Collaborative mindset, with proven ability to work cross functionally.

Education & Certifications

• Associates Degree in Business Administration, Engineering or related field preferred
• APICS certification, preferred.

Travel & Working Environment

• Minimal travel (<10%) that includes visits to other facilities, vendors and training.
• Working environment will be fast paced and requires management of several tasks at the same time in both an office and manufacturing environment.
• The ability to set a clear vision, get resources aligned, and ensure commitment will be critical to success.
• Manufacturing Environment requires use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when in production areas. 

How we live our culture

Our culture is at the center of what we do and, more importantly, who we are.  Our core values set a standard for how we manage ourselves, and our Leadership Model sets the standard for how we engage with each other.  Whether you are an individual contributor or you lead a large team, each of us leads at SPX.  

What benefits do we offer?

We know that the well-being of our employees is integral. Our benefits include:

• Generous and flexible paid time off including paid personal time off, caregiver, parental, and volunteer leave
• Competitive health insurance plans and 401(k) match, with benefits starting day one
• Competitive and performance-based compensation packages and bonus plans
• Educational assistance, leadership development programs, and recognition programs  

Our commitment to embrace diversity to build a culture of inclusion at SPX

We value different backgrounds, experiences, and voices at SPX, and we are committed to challenging ourselves, openly communicating, and striving to improve every day.  We believe in creating an inclusive work environment where everyone has a voice and is encouraged to realize their fullest potential. 

SPX is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer committed to making selection decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis.