Buyer/Planner

The Buyer/Planner is responsible for the planning and purchasing of raw material supporting production and distribution. This position will manage select suppliers to ensure on time delivery at competitive pricing while managing inventory levels to prevent shortages and maximize turns. The Buyer Planner will report directly to the Materials Manager. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Analyze data from the MRP system and place orders in a timely manner. 
• Communicate/coordinate shortages that could cause delays with Customer Service, Manufacturing team, production schedulers, and other key personnel. 
• Manage suppliers to reduce costs, improve quality, control inventories, and ensure timely flow of material. 
• Monitor and report key performance metrics, including Purchase Price Variance, inventories, shortages, and supplier performance. 
• Manage inventories to ensure continuous production while maximizing turns.
• Expedite material orders as needed. 
• Develop a thorough working knowledge of required MRP / ERP systems. 
• Able and willing to work necessary hours to meet all project deadlines, travel when necessary. 
• Develop mutually beneficial, respectful, and effective relationships with peers to ensure seamless coordination between departments, maximize synergy, and maintain a shared vision, strategy, and focus. 
• Other duties as assigned – Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 
• Assist in on floor cycle counting and inventory reviews as assigned.
• Assist and support annual physical inventory.

Skills and Experience:

• College degree or minimum of 5 years’ experience in a complex manufacturing environment.
• APICS certification and previous international experience desired. 
• Strong analytical skills. Effective leadership skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Ability to maintain an organized process for completing work on time.
• Ability to learn ERP system functions quickly. 
• Accuracy in work assignments and a strong work ethic as a part of a team.