Buyer / Planner

Buyer/Planner  

Location: Duluth, GA

Department: Operations

Reports to: Materials Manager

Direct Reports: None

Type: Full-Time

Status: Exempt

Schedule: M-Thu onsite, F - Remote

Salary: $55,000 $65,000 Bonus

The Role

We're seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Buyer/Planner to support IPA's manufacturing operations by executing tactical purchasing activities, managing supplier communications, and helping maintain a healthy, efficient supply chain. This is a great opportunity for someone early in their supply chain career to build foundational skills across procurement, inventory management, and production planning — with visibility across the business and room to grow.

What You’ll Do

·         Execute day-to-day purchasing operations to meet manufacturing and new product introduction (NPI) requirements.

·         Procure commodities based on material requirements planning (MRP), forecasts, and transaction history.

·         Develop and maintain relationships with vendor contacts through regular communication on requirements and follow-            up.

·         Monitor supplier performance, help resolve issues, and provide input for periodic supplier evaluations.

·         Coordinate with key suppliers to review material issues, forecast information, and support supply chain continuity.

·         Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure timely availability of materials and address production-related c                     changes.

·         Maintain inventory control reporting, analyze inventory levels, and support optimization of inventory management                   practices.

·         Manage excess and obsolete inventory, contributing to cost reduction initiatives.

·         Support the transition of new products from R&D into stable operations.

·         Generate regular reports on purchasing and supply chain performance metrics.

·         Identify opportunities for process improvements and contribute to departmental goals.

What You Bring

·         Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field (preferred).

·         Some experience in procurement, planning, or supply chain roles — manufacturing environment experience is a plus.

·         Basic understanding of procurement strategies, supplier management, and production planning principles.

·         Exposure to contract negotiation or supplier relationship management is a plus.

·         Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with ERP/MRP systems is a bonus.

·         Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.

You’ll Excel If You:

·         Are eager to learn and grow in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

·         Communicate clearly and build positive relationships with suppliers and internal teams alike.

·         Are naturally detail-oriented and take pride in accurate, timely work.

·         Enjoy digging into data to spot trends and support smarter decisions.

·         Bring a proactive mindset and look for ways to improve processes.

What We Offer:

·         A hands-on role with real responsibility and direct impact on production continuity and supply chain performance from            day one.

·         Mentorship and guidance from the Materials Manager, giving you exposure to strategic procurement and supply chain            leadership.

·         The opportunity to develop cross-functional skills by working alongside operations, finance, and R&D teams.

·         A structured environment where your contributions to inventory accuracy, supplier relationships, and cost savings are             visible and valued.

·         A clear path for career growth within a growing manufacturing organization that invests in developing its people.

·         Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.

Why Join IPA?:

At IPA, you're not just joining a company, you're joining a mission-driven, inclusive culture dedicated to improving infection prevention and operational efficiency in healthcare. We invest in our people with meaningful work, a collaborative environment, and benefits that support both your personal and professional success.

When you join IPA, you’ll enjoy:

·         Generous paid time off and company holidays

·         Comprehensive healthcare coverage: medical, dental, vision, and Telemedicine

·         Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions, plus optional FSA plans

·         Company-paid life and disability insurance

·         401(k) with company match to support your retirement goals

·         Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) own a piece of what you’re building

·         Tuition reimbursement to support continued learning and development

·         Paid parental leave for when your family grows

At IPA, we believe your career should be both meaningful and sustainable. If you're ready to make a real-world impact and grow with a company that invests in you, we’d love to meet you.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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