Buyer/Planner

Position Summary:

The Buyer/Planner is responsible for managing the end-to-end procurement and planning activities within the supply chain to ensure timely delivery of goods and services, while optimizing inventory and cost. This role involves working closely with supplies, internal teams (including production, logistics, and sales), and other stakeholders to align demand and supply, as well as implementing strategies to enhance operational efficiency.

Essential Job Functions:

Job Duties:

1. Lead the sourcing and procurement of materials, components, or services required by the organization.
2. Negotiate contracts and manage supplier relationships to ensure cost-effective purchasing, high-quality standards, and on-time delivery.
3. Monitor supplier performance and address issues such as delays, quality concerns, or pricing discrepancies.
4. Develop and manage procurement strategies based on forecasted demand, historical data, and production schedules.
5. Analyze and maintain inventory levels to ensure optimal stock, reducing excess while avoiding shortages.
6. Coordinate with sales, production, and logistics teams to align on forecast changes, promotions, and lead time considerations.
7. Analyze historical sales and inventory data to create accurate demand forecasts.
8. Review purchasing trends, supplier performance, and market conditions to make data-driven decisions.
9. Generate and review procurement reports, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities for process improvement.
10. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align production schedules and material requirements.
11. Develop and maintain a detailed supply plan, adjusting as needed based on market changes, lead times, and production needs.
12. Manage and adjust material requirements planning (MRP) to ensure optimal production flow.
13. Develop cost-effective procurement strategies to minimize supply chain expenses.
14. Work within budget constraints while maintaining quality and delivery timelines.
15. Analyze pricing structures, negotiate favorable terms, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
16. Identify potential supply chain risks (e.g., supplier issues, geopolitical disruptions) and develop mitigation strategies.
17. Stay informed about industry trends, commodity pricing fluctuations, and supply chain innovations
18. Prepare and present regular reports on purchasing, inventory, and supplier performance to senior management.
19. Regularly communicates with Purchasing, Production and other internal/external customers and vendors to gather essential information.
20. Uses company ERP software to create Quotes, and Item Cards, Bill of Materials, and Routings
21. Creates, maintains, and continually reviews Item cards to ensure information is accurate and current
22. Keeps detailed records of source information, quotes from vendors, internal and external information
23. All other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in business management or a related field
2. 5+ years of experience in procurement, buying, planning, or supply chain management,
3. 3 years’ experience in negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, and working with cross-functional teams in a manufacturing distribution environment
4. Strong background in demand forecasting, inventory management, and production planning.
5. Proficient with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, etc.).
6. Proficiency in using production planning software and Microsoft Office Suite.
7. Ability to analyze data and make informed decisions.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. 2 years in a senior or lead role.
2. APICS CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management)
3. ISM CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management)
4. Six Sigma or Lean certifications.
5. Practitioner of Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)

Environment and Physical Demands:

Work Environment: Standard office environment - desk/computer work, minimal noise

Physical Demands: Light Activity - some walking and light lifting up to 25 lbs