Sr Buyer/Planner

POSITION SUMMARY
The Senior Buyer/Planner is a key contributor to the Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) function, responsible for managing the procurement and planning of materials to support manufacturing, product development, and customer service needs. This role operates with minimal supervision, focusing on minimizing costs and optimizing the supply chain by developing and continuously improving procurement and planning processes. The Senior Buyer/Planner is accountable for managing supplier relationships, ensuring timely delivery and quality performance, and strategically planning inventory to meet customer demand.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supplier Management: Manage a portfolio of suppliers and production partners. Make strategic buying decisions based on demand, inventory levels, forecasts, and lead times to ensure material availability while minimizing costs.
• Performance & Cost Control: Measure and report on supplier performance, including on-time delivery and quality. Implement corrective actions with suppliers as needed and manage material costs to meet financial targets.
• Inventory & Production Planning: Develop and manage production schedules for assigned suppliers to align with customer demand and asset utilization. Ensure optimal inventory levels are maintained and production shortages are resolved promptly.
• Scheduling and Execution: Initiate and manage the flow of standard, new, and custom products through work releases and shop floor scheduling. Ensure all MRP functions are executed accurately and on time.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Engineering, Quality, and production planning teams to support new and custom product initiatives. Collaborate with logistics and carriers to optimize inbound material flow.
• New Product Development (NPD): Co-develop new products with internal teams and negotiate terms and specifications with external suppliers to ensure successful launch and cost-effectiveness.
• Customer Quoting: Provide accurate delivery quotes for large orders by analyzing inventory, bills of material (BOM), supplier lead times, and capacity.
• Process Improvement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives within procurement and planning processes. Maintain a high level of accountability for achieving departmental and organizational goals.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and time management skills.
• Proficiency in MRP systems and Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Solid understanding of quality management systems and supplier performance metrics.
• Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Quality, Production).

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work is conducted primarily in a climate-controlled office, with some time spent on the manufacturing floor.
• The role involves extensive computer use, sitting, and some walking.
• Physical demands include manual dexterity and good visual ability.
• Occasional exposure to a louder noise level and standard manufacturing environments is possible during on-floor activities.

CRITICAL SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Five years’ experience in Purchasing and/or Inventory Control preferred
• Five years' experience in manufacturing preferred