Buyer/Planner

Who We Are

Since 1976, our family-owned business has worked across a wide range of industries, environments, and applications to provide expert advice and bring the best industrial-grade parts to our customers. For years, we have been mastering the art of material properties, design, and fabrication to produce custom parts that last longer and deliver superior performance so you can focus on using your equipment, not fixing it.

Our Three Uniques

• Team of technical experts committed to solve problems.
• Reliable parts supply, responsive service.
• Robust global supply chain with diverse material options.

Our Core Values

• Customer Driven
• One Team
• Growth Minded

Our Perks

• Medical/Dental/Vision/STD/LTD
• HSA/FSA
• PTO/Paid Holidays
• 401(k) & Employer Match
• Education Reimbursement

Who We're Looking For

Economic Strategy Manager (On-Site in Plymouth, MN)

• Reporting to the Supply Chain Supervisor

The Buyer Planner manages end-to-end procurement and planning within the supply chain to ensure timely delivery of goods and services while optimizing inventory and cost. This role involves working closely with suppliers, internal teams, and stakeholders to align demand and supply, implement strategies for operational efficiency, deliver precise quotes, understand product specifications, and calculate materials and labor for orders. The Buyer Planner must demonstrate meticulousness, organizational skills, strong communication abilities, and ensure item card accuracy, including the creation and review of purchasing and production attributes.
Performance Dimensions & KPIs

• Initiate and manage Material Requirements Planning (MRP) recommendations for procurement.

• Execute and oversee supply requisitions to ensure timely and accurate fulfillment.

• Monitor and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors.

Fundamental Responsibilities

• Lead the sourcing and procurement of materials, components, or services required by the organization.

• Negotiate contracts and manage supplier relationships to ensure cost-effective purchasing, high-quality standards, and on-time delivery.

• Monitor supplier performance and address issues such as delays, quality concerns, or pricing discrepancies.

• Obtain supplier quotes.

• Develop and manage procurement strategies based on forecasted demand, historical data, and production schedules.

• Analyze and maintain inventory levels to ensure optimal stock, reducing excess while avoiding shortages.

• Coordinate with sales, production, and logistics teams to align on forecast changes, promotions, and lead time considerations.

• Analyze historical sales and inventory data to create accurate demand forecasts.

• Review purchasing trends, supplier performance, and market conditions to make data-driven decisions.

• Generate and review procurement reports, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities for process improvement.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align on production schedules and material requirements.

• Develop and maintain a detailed supply plan, adjusting as needed based on market changes, lead times, and production needs.

• Manage and adjust material requirements planning (MRP) to ensure optimal production flow.

• Develop cost-effective procurement strategies to minimize supply chain expenses.

• Work within budget constraints while maintaining quality and delivery timelines.

• Analyze pricing structures, negotiate favorable terms, and identify cost-saving opportunities.

• Identify potential supply chain risks (e.g., supplier issues, geopolitical disruptions) and develop mitigation strategies.

• Stay informed about industry trends, commodity pricing fluctuations, and supply chain innovations.

· · Ensure compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and ethical sourcing standards.

• Prepare and present regular reports on purchasing, inventory, and supplier performance to senior management.

• Communicate effectively with all functional areas within the organization.

• Communicate all necessary information and updates with managers, supervisors, and employees as needed.

• Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards throughout the production process.

• Prepares quotes by gathering proposals, dimensional data, engineering drawings, material specifications, and related documents.

• Calculates labor, material, and time requirements by understanding appropriate fabrication methods and selected material(s).

Qualifications

• • 2 years of experience in a related role.
  • 1 years of experience in procurement, buying, planning, or supply chain management,
  • 1 years experience in negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, and working with cross-functional teams.
  • Strong background in demand forecasting, inventory management, and production planning.
  • Proficient with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle), production planning software and Microsoft Office experience, advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, etc.).
  • Bachelor’s degree in business management, or a related field.
  • 5-year experience buying in a manufacturing distribution environment
  • Familiarity with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to analyze data and make informed decisions.
  • Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and efficiency.
  • Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
  • Able to follow instructions and operate independently with minimal supervision.
  • Demonstrates the ability to work effectively within diverse teams, actively contributing ideas, supporting co-workers, and achieving common objectives. Adapts to different working styles, communicates openly, and fosters a positive team environment.
  • Strong communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and delegation skills
  • Ability to handle stress and maintain a professional demeanor.
  • Ability to troubleshoot and problem-solve.
  • Ability to do basic math computations regularly.
  • Ability to speak, read & understand English.
  • Must be willing to travel

Preferred Qualifications

• • APICS CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management)
  • ISM CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management)
  • Six Sigma or Lean certifications.
  • Practitioner of Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)
  • Effective project management skills
  • Knowledge of the conveyor belting or floor care industry
  • Experience using Microsoft Business Central