Buyer

Buyer/Planner

The Buyer/Planner manages purchasing and material-planning activities to ensure manufacturing has the materials and components needed to meet production requirements. This position balances inventory, cost, supplier performance, and delivery while working closely with Production, Engineering, Logistics, and other departments.

Responsibilities

• Review forecasts, production schedules, and inventory requirements to develop effective material plans.
• Purchase raw materials, components, and production supplies to maintain uninterrupted operations.
• Monitor inventory and proactively address shortages, excess, and obsolete materials.
• Create and maintain purchase orders, confirmations, changes, and expedite activities as needed.
• Identify and evaluate suppliers based on quality, cost, delivery, and overall performance.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, terms, and other purchasing conditions when appropriate.
• Monitor supplier performance and resolve delivery, quality, and material availability issues.
• Partner with Production, Engineering, and Logistics to coordinate material requirements and production needs.
• Communicate supply risks, delays, shortages, and recommended corrective actions.
• Release and/or create production orders for assigned work centers.
• Use sound judgment and critical-thinking skills to develop achievable plans and meet production requirements.
• Investigate material shortages and coordinate resolutions with suppliers and internal teams.
• Maintain accurate purchasing, inventory, and planning information in ERP/MRP systems.
• Track and report KPIs including inventory turns, service levels, supplier performance, and delivery metrics.
• Identify cost-reduction and process-improvement opportunities.
• Assist the Master Planner with planning and coordination activities as needed.
• Provide backup support to Shipping & Receiving to maintain operational continuity.
• Support continuous-improvement initiatives within purchasing and planning.
• Follow all safety, 5S, and GMP requirements and maintain a clean, organized work environment.

Supervises: None

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Strong understanding of procurement, supply chain, inventory control, and material-planning principles.
• Ability to translate demand forecasts and production requirements into actionable material plans.
• Knowledge of BOMs and manufacturing processes; electronics specifications experience is a plus.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems such as D365, SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar platforms.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Effective supplier negotiation and relationship-management abilities.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Proficiency with Excel or similar data-analysis tools.
• Ability to work with ITAR-controlled information without an ITAR license.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Supply Management, Business, or related field preferred; equivalent experience or a two-year technical degree considered.
• 2–5+ years of purchasing, procurement, planning, or supply-chain experience within a manufacturing environment.
• At least 2 years of production planning, materials planning, purchasing, or ERP-related administrative experience.

Physical Requirements

• On-site position primarily performed in an office environment.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 15 pounds.
• Extended periods of sitting and computer use.
• Occasional standing, walking, or movement through office, production, and shipping/receiving areas.
• Schedule may be adjusted as needed to support operational requirements.
• Must comply with safety policies and maintain a clean and organized workplace.