Buyer/Planner I

Buyer/Planner I

Location: Lake Zurich, IL
Department: Manufacturing / Materials Management

Are you a motivated and detail-driven professional with a passion for planning, purchasing, and keeping production running smoothly? Join our dynamic team as a Buyer/Planner I, where you’ll play a key role in supporting our manufacturing operations by managing materials, optimizing inventory flow, and collaborating across teams to meet customer demands with precision and efficiency.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to grow their career in supply chain or materials management within a fast-paced, quality-focused environment.

About the Role

As a Buyer/Planner I, you’ll be responsible for ensuring the seamless flow of materials and production schedules across your assigned customer or production line. You will coordinate purchasing activities, maintain supplier relationships, and ensure timely availability of materials to meet production goals. This position requires a strong sense of ownership, attention to detail, and the ability to balance multiple priorities while driving operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory Management

• Determine raw material requirements using ERP data and new orders.

• Maintain proper inventory levels and pursue Just-In-Time (JIT) delivery.

• Partner with Production and Engineering to align on new project needs.

• Coordinate raw material deliveries according to the production schedule.

• Support inventory accuracy through cycle counts, Kanban, and min/max management.

Material Purchasing

• Lead procurement activities, negotiating pricing, delivery, and services.

• Manage purchase orders and amendments for materials and services.

• Review open orders, make adjustments for changing demand, and update vendor data.

• Maintain supplier communication to ensure on-time deliveries and resolve issues.

• Support MRO purchasing as a backup when needed.

Planning and Scheduling

• Develop and maintain production schedules aligned with material availability and labor capacity.

• Recommend adjustments to staffing, tools, and resources to meet production objectives.

• Support daily and monthly planning meetings (GEMBA, 30/60/90) and communicate material or schedule risks.

• Collaborate with Production and Customer Service to meet on-time delivery goals.

Production and Material Flow Support

• Create and manage work orders for production and sub-assemblies.

• Publish monthly production schedules and coordinate across shifts.

• Monitor production schedule adherence and minimize line interruptions.

• Evaluate material flow processes and implement improvements to enhance efficiency.

ERP and Process Oversight

• Maintain and optimize ERP data accuracy for purchasing and planning.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives to streamline the supply chain and production planning process.

• Partner with the Quality team to ensure supplier standards and compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field (or equivalent experience).

• 1–3 years of purchasing or planning experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.

• Strong communication and negotiation skills.

• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and time management skills.

• Team player with strong collaboration and interpersonal skills.

What We Offer

• A collaborative, growth-oriented environment where your input is valued.

• Opportunities to expand your skills in procurement, planning, and operations.

• Competitive compensation and benefits.

• A chance to make a direct impact on operational success and customer satisfaction.

If you’re ready to bring your organizational skills, drive, and attention to detail to a team that values continuous improvement and excellence, we encourage you to apply today and take the next step in your career with us!

Medical Murray is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.