Buyer and Planner

Buyer and Planner Job Description

Erosion Control Manufacturing and Grass Seed – Rhino Seed

Job Summary

The Buyer and Planner plays a critical role in ensuring timely procurement of raw materials and supplies while coordinating production schedules to meet project deadlines in the erosion control industry. This position supports on-time delivery and production efficiency by balancing inventory levels, vendor performance, and manufacturing needs. The ideal candidate is analytical and data-driven, using spreadsheets, ERP data, and sound mathematical analysis to make informed purchasing, inventory, and production-planning decisions.

Key Responsibilities

Purchasing:

· Source and purchase erosion control materials such as straw, seed, netting, thread, and packaging supplies.

· Maintain supplier relationships and evaluate vendor performance for quality, cost, and reliability.

· Issue and track purchase orders, monitor delivery timelines, and resolve discrepancies.

· Ensure material compliance with job specifications and regulatory standards.

· Monitor market trends and material availability, proactively managing risks to supply continuity.

Planning:

· Create and update daily and weekly production schedules based on sales orders, forecasts, and inventory.

· Coordinate closely with production leads to ensure efficient use of labor and materials.

· Plan job orders to meet shipping deadlines and customer delivery expectations.

· Analyze demand patterns and lead times to minimize stockouts and overproduction.

· Work within ERP or scheduling systems to update inventory records and track material usage.

General Duties:

· Maintain accurate inventory records; participate in monthly counts and inventory audits.

· Communicate regularly with sales and logistics to align materials and production with customer timelines.

· Support new product rollouts or changes in product configurations by adjusting purchasing and planning accordingly.

· Identify and drive cost-saving opportunities in procurement and production planning through data analysis, cost comparisons, forecasting, and performance tracking.

Qualifications

· Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field preferred.

· 4 years of experience in procurement or planning in a manufacturing environment (erosion control or construction-related industry a plus).

· Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.

· Familiarity with erosion control products such as blankets, or hydroseeding materials, and grass seed is a plus.

· Advanced spreadsheet skills, including strong proficiency in Excel for data analysis, formulas, cost comparisons, forecasting, reporting, and inventory planning; working knowledge of ERP systems (e.g., Acumatica, NetSuite, QuickBooks Manufacturing, or similar).

· Excellent organization, communication, and time-management skills.

· Ability to work independently and make decisions in a fast-paced, production-focused environment.

Applicants must be able to pass a background check and a drug screening.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Buyer: 4 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Wayland, MI 49348 (Required)

Work Location: In person