POSITION: Purchasing Buyer/Planner
LOCATION: Houghton, Michigan
CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt
REPORTS TO: Purchasing Manager
Position Description
The Buyer/Planner procures the components necessary to support production, prototype builds and Customer Service
parts per ordering requirements. This position requires excellent planning and forecasting skills with our supply base to
ensure proper material flow. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication, analytical and multi-tasking skills with
the ability to identify and resolve issues with limited supervision. Candidates must have the ability to work under tight time
deadlines, with frequently changing priorities and sometimes-high stress levels. In addition, the Buyer/Planner participates
in negotiating the best possible component pricing, ensuring competitive lead-time arrangements, assist in resolving
supplier quality and delivery issues, and strive for reduced inventory levels. This person will effectively work with all other
departments within Somero to maintain a satisfied customer.
Principal Accountabilities

• Review the materials requirements plan (MRP/ blanket orders)

• Issue purchase orders to suppliers

• Expedite and track open orders (Not in Stock parts) to ensure on-time delivery from suppliers

• Manage purchases related to Product Change Orders (PCO)

• Monitor inventory levels

• Participate in cross-functional project teams

• Monitor freight methods and recommend best service to minimize cost

• Pro-actively report issues that may hinder build schedule to Team Supervisor

• Participate in company safety objectives

• Following all ISO Company policies and procedures

• Identify and source new suppliers to meet business needs

• Manage relationships with key suppliers to maintain quality of goods and timely delivery

• Prepare and manage request for quotes (RFQ)

• Research and evaluate areas of opportunity to reduce costs within the department

• Proactively communicate supply chain issues that may impose risk or impact business operations

• Work safely in an office and manufacturing environment and follow all company safety policies and procedures

• Ability to solve problems using existing systems and processes

• Excellent verbal and written communicator

• Good organizational skills

• High sense of urgency

• Take ownership of material planning and maintain an attitude of success

• Capable of following processes and initiate process improvements

• Ability to effectively build professional relationships with suppliers

• Maintain a positive attitude in high-pressure situations

• Safety conscious

• Adaptable to change

Education/Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s Degree in business or relevant field preferred

• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office required

• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)/Material Resources Planning (MRP) experience preferred

• 3-5 years manufacturing purchasing experience preferred

• Ability to work extended hours as business needs dictate

• Frequently remain in a stationary position such as sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time

• Occasional travel required