Buyer / Planner

Description

Position Summary

The Buyer / Planner is responsible for planning, scheduling, and procuring materials required to support production and customer demand. This position works closely with suppliers, production, engineering, inventory control, and customer service to ensure material availability, optimize inventory levels, and maintain efficient production schedules. The Buyer / Planner analyzes demand, manages supplier performance, places purchase orders, and helps drive continuous improvement throughout the supply chain.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan and schedule materials to support production requirements and customer orders.
• Create and maintain purchase orders, ensuring timely delivery of materials and components.
• Monitor inventory levels and adjust purchasing activities to maintain optimal stock levels.
• Coordinate with suppliers regarding pricing, lead times, order status, and delivery issues.
• Review demand forecasts, production schedules, and material requirements planning (MRP) reports.
• Identify potential material shortages and develop corrective action plans.
• Work with engineering and production teams to support new product launches and engineering changes.
• Track and improve supplier performance related to quality, delivery, and cost.
• Maintain accurate planning and purchasing data within the ERP system.
• Assist with inventory management, cycle counts, and excess or obsolete inventory reduction efforts.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within supply chain and operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations Management, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of purchasing, planning, materials management, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of purchasing, inventory control, production planning, and material requirements planning (MRP).
• Experience working with ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Excellent communication and supplier relationship management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer.
• Occasionally required to walk through manufacturing and warehouse areas.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed in an office environment with regular interaction in manufacturing and warehouse areas. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required when entering production areas.