Buyer Planner

Job Description

Job Description

The Planner Buyer is responsible for overseeing the procurement and planning of materials required for production within a manufacturing environment. This role ensures that the right quantity of materials is available at the right time to meet production schedules while managing costs, minimizing inventory, and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers. The Planner Buyer plays a crucial role in the efficient functioning of the supply chain, balancing material availability, inventory management, and production needs.

Key Responsibilities

· Uphold the company values, vision, and mission

· Uphold the quality policy

· Follows safety requirements

· Follow policies and procedures

· Material Planning & Procurement:

o Review MRP outputs to ensure materials are available when needed to meet production timelines.

o Review and analyze material requirements to place purchase orders for raw materials, components, and other items needed for manufacturing.

o Monitor inventory levels to prevent shortages or overstock situations.

o Negotiate with suppliers for pricing, terms, and delivery schedules to ensure cost-effectiveness and timely delivery.

o Coordinate with suppliers to ensure that materials are delivered on time and meet quality standards.

· Supply Chain Coordination:

o Collaborate with production teams to align material availability with production needs.

o Analyze historical usage, production forecasts, and current demand to predict future material requirements.

o Adjust purchasing schedules based on changes in production plans or lead times from suppliers.

· Inventory Management:

o Maintain accurate records of inventory levels, orders, and deliveries.

o Implement strategies to optimize inventory and reduce excess stock.

o Monitor inventory turnover to ensure that the inventory is rotated properly and does not expire or become obsolete.

· Vendor Management & Relationship Building:

o Establish and maintain positive relationships with suppliers to ensure long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships.

o Resolve any supplier-related issues, such as quality concerns, delivery delays, or discrepancies in order fulfillment.

o Track supplier performance through metrics such as on-time delivery and quality assurance.

· Cost Control & Budgeting:

o Monitor material costs and identify opportunities for cost-saving initiatives.

o Identify alternative sources of supply or material substitutions to minimize costs without compromising quality.

· Data Analysis & Reporting:

o Generate and analyze reports on material usage, supplier performance, inventory levels, and purchasing trends.

o Use ERP or MRP systems to monitor orders, material usage, and inventory management.

o Provide regular updates to management on procurement and planning activities, including material shortages or potential supply chain disruptions.

· Continuous Improvement:

o Stay informed on industry trends, new materials, and best practices in supply chain management.

o Participate in process improvement initiatives to streamline procurement and planning functions.

o Suggest ways to improve material flow, reduce lead times, and enhance overall supply chain efficiency.

Qualifications:

· Education:

o Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Logistics, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

· Experience:

o Prefer 2-3 years’ experience, will consider new college graduates with Supply Chain/Operations degrees

o Knowledge of manufacturing processes and production scheduling.

o Experience with ERP or MRP systems (e.g., Infor, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics).

o Familiarity with vendor negotiation and contract management.

· Skills & Competencies:

o Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

o Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with suppliers and internal teams.

o Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.

o Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

o Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).

· Certifications (optional but preferred):

o CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management) or CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional).

Work Environment:

· This role may require occasional travel to meet with suppliers or visit production sites.

· The role is primarily office-based, with some time spent in the production area to understand material flow and production requirements.

· Controlled temperature environments

Expected Hours of Work This is a Full-Time Salary position required to work Monday through Friday, with occasional weekends.

Travel: 0%