Job Overview:

We are seeking a detail-oriented Buyer/Planner to join our team. The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of our supply chain. You will be responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing inventory of raw materials, components, and equipment necessary for our manufacturing processes. Your ability to negotiate favorable terms, maintain strong relationships with suppliers, and monitor their performance as well as market trends will be essential in optimizing our procurement process.

• Source and procure raw materials, components, and equipment required for manufacturing operations.
• Evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, and delivery speed; negotiate contracts and terms to ensure cost-effectiveness and reliability.
• Continuously assess and optimize inventory levels to minimize excess inventory while ensuring adequate stock availability.

The following is a summary of essential functions for this job. Other duties may be performed, both major and minor, which are not mentioned below. Specific activities may change from time to time.

• Maintains and updates the Approved Supplier List (ASL) in accordance with QMS requirements, ensuring that all suppliers meet established criteria for quality, reliability, and regulatory compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the purchasing function, including the maintenance and enhancement of the ASL, implementing best practices and innovative solutions to streamline processes and enhance efficiency.
• Oversee the procurement process from requisition to delivery, ensuring compliance with QMS requirements.
• Reviews and processes purchase requisitions.
• Verifies accuracy and conformance with PMI purchasing procedures and determines appropriate method to process requisition based on dollar amount, timeliness, existing open contracts, and production demand.
• Identifies and evaluates potential suppliers, negotiating contracts and agreements to secure favorable terms and pricing.
• Maintains strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality materials and services while adhering to cost targets.
• Maintains accurate records of purchases, pricing, and inventory levels using inventory management software.
• Executes the development, maintenance, communication, and publication of the Material Requirements Planning (MRP) to facilitate proper planning and procurement of materials, ensuring alignment with production schedules and inventory targets.
• Collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, including production, quality assurance, and finance, to forecast demand, anticipate supply chain issues, and mitigate risks.
• Monitors and analyzes key performance indicators (KPIs) related to purchasing activities, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Stays updated on industry trends, market conditions, and technological advancements to optimize sourcing strategies and leverage cost-saving opportunities.
• Assists in gathering evidence from suppliers to ensure compliance with customers' environmental regulatory requirements, such as Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS), Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), Proposition 65, etc.
• Resolves supply chain issues, such as shortages or delivery delays, by coordinating with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Negotiates contracts with storage facilities, shipping and customs brokers, transportation carriers, truck and rail, warehouses, and freight forwarders.
• Manage periodic physical inventory counting to maintain accurate quantities and
• Conduct inventory obsolescence reviews and develop strategies to minimize excess and obsolete stock.
• Assist Quality Director to perform supplier audits to ensure compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain management, or a related field preferred.
• Familiar with AS9100 & ISO 9001 standards.
• Proven experience in purchasing within a manufacturing environment, preferably in industries adhering to AS9100, ISO 13485, ISO 9001, and ISO/IEC 17025 quality controls.
• Knowledge of market research, data analysis and purchasing best practices.
• Outstanding organizational skills.
• In-depth knowledge of procurement processes, supply chain management principles, and contract negotiation strategies.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret data to drive informed decision-making.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholder.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, with experience in managing teams and driving results in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Proficiency in relevant software applications, such as MRP/ERP systems and procurement software
• Certification in purchasing or supply chain management (e.g., CSCP, CPSM) is a plus.
• Strong computer skills and familiar with Microsoft Windows applications
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Attention to detail, accurate and concise
• Able to keep neat and organized records and files
• Good problem-solving skills
• Safety conscious at all times
• Must have excellent written and oral communication skills, and able to read and write in English
• Authorized to work in the US
• Emphasizes personal and professional growth, keeps knowledge and skills current

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Work is performed primarily in an office environment
• Typically works in a production environment (Inventory) with adequate lighting and ventilation and a normal range of temperature and noise level
• Ability to climb, stoops, kneels, crouch, reach, walk, push, pull, and grasp
• Ability to stand for sustained periods of time
• Ability to exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up-to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up-to 15 pounds of force constantly to move objects
• Ability to move arms, hands, and fingers
• Required to have visual acuity to perform assigned tasks
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
• Required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) on production floor (as applicable)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) 3% Match
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Ability to Relocate:

• Danbury, CT 06810: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person