Buyer/Planner

POSITION SUMMARY: Purchase, coordinate, and expedite the flow of materials (from approved suppliers and within various departments) according to customer orders, forecasts, and production schedules. Plan and schedule, material/production needs and demand plans to deliver outstanding on time delivery, optimized inventory levels and at the best cost.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain, monitor, create, and expedite Purchase Orders daily for appropriate vendors through MRP system, and requisitions forwarded from other Departments.
• Lead all aspects of production scheduling, working with manufacturing and appropriate suppliers for all required raw material requirements.
• Ensure compliance with the companies’ Purchasing Policies and Procedures, Code of Ethics, Values and adherence to relevant laws and regulations
• Interface with production, sales, purchasing and suppliers to schedule purchase orders of raw material to meet production demand and appropriate inventory levels
• The effective coordination of the material planning, purchasing and production scheduling function and ensuring timely delivery to customers of finished products
• Purchase finished goods from outside suppliers in accordance to MRP requirements and customer orders required dates
• Confirm supplier delivery dates for purchasing material and expedite orders when necessary
• Access and input revisions (e.g., quantity, ship date) to update MRP reports
• Manage purchase orders and ensure that vendors are delivering goods on time
• Monitor inventory levels and identify potential stock shortages or overstock situations
• Liaise with the sales team and vendors to resolve any supply chain issues
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors
• Generate and analyze reports to identify trends and opportunities for improvement
• Manage planning, material processes and systems, prepare and update production schedules and purchasing needs. Ensure operational alignment with production plan and KPIs. Optimize inventory and process improvements.
• Collaborate across several functions to support internal quality, engineering, production, accounts payable and sourcing teams. Works with the Sales & Supply Chain Teams to understand customer orders and forecasts to develop demand plans. Demand plans are executed with inventory optimization and strong on-time delivery performance.
• Has knowledge of best practices and how own area integrates with others; is aware of the competition and the factors that differentiate them in the market
• Uses some judgment and has some ability to propose different solutions outside of set parameters to address more complicated manufacturing processes with technical variety and/or interdependent production cycles. Uses technical experience and analytical thinking. Use multiple internal and limited external sources outside of own teams to arrive at decisions.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college with at least 2 years of experience in a production environment, or a high school diploma/GED with relevant experience in sourcing or material/demand planning. We encourage internal candidates and those with a strong interest in developing their skills to apply.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel and experience with Microsoft Dynamics or similar ERP
• Strong knowledge of Material Requirements Planning (MRP). APICS and/or CPM Certification preferred
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiply priorities under tight deadlines.
• Detail oriented & demonstrated ability to manage cross functional projects.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interface effectively and build relationships cross functionally.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve problems.
• Ability to document, plan, market, and execute programs.
• Established project management skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Requires standing, walking, and lifting for extended periods.
• May involve exposure to noise and varying temperatures.
• Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs.

CULTURE:

• Foster a collaborative and positive work environment, ensuring clear and respectful communication across all levels of the organization
• Actively drive change by encouraging and implementing cross-functional improvements that enhance operational efficiency and product quality
• Respectfully listen to concerns and ideas brought to your attention
• Respect confidentiality
• Embody our values of Integrity, Trust, Creativity and Courage, Teamwork, and Excellence

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS: Attendance on a regular, consistent basis is mandatory.

ACCOMODATIONS: Essential functions of this position may include but are not limited to lifting, reaching, bending, stooping, twisting, kneeling, crouching, carrying objects, ascending/descending stairs and commuting to work location. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) or other state or federal law, you may request the accommodation during the interview process.

Salary Range: $62,500 - $70,000

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