Buyer/Planner

Job Summary

Procures and continually seeks improved sources for a variety of raw materials, supplies, and services to support production requirements and ensure optimum inventory investment. Negotiates with suppliers to secure appropriate cost, schedule, quality, payment, and delivery terms. Maintains a current knowledge of company products, manufacturing operations, and market trends, and participates in continuous improvement teams.

Essential Job Functions *

• Reviews sales forecasts, production schedules, and manufacturing history to determine material requirements for designated items.
• Consults the automated planning system to make a variety of planning and purchasing decisions, and accurately documents all transactions within the automated system.
• Determines re-order points for non-Material Requirement Planning (MRP) items.
• Works with Hillman staff to outline cost, quality, and delivery specifications for new items.
• Orders maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) and point of purchase materials as needed.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with suppliers. Monitors supplier performance and addresses issues as needed.
• Purchases goods from international suppliers and completes import paperwork as required by US customs.
• Works with Hillman staff to develop solutions for receiving, accounts payable, discrepant material, and engineering issues.
• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
  
  

Employees are expected and encouraged to participate in safety and health program activities including immediately reporting hazards, immediately reporting unsafe work practices and incidents to supervisors, wearing required personal protective equipment, and participating in and supporting safety committee activities.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent plus continued education in materials management and purchasing. Bachelor’s degree in business or supply chain management preferred.
• Three years’ experience purchasing various materials, supplies, and services or the equivalent in education and experience.
  
  

Competencies – Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of automated production and inventory control, purchasing, and MRP systems (Oracle Enterprise 1).
• Working knowledge of statistical process control, supplier management, supplier certification, and product data management multi-level Bill of Material concepts.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Windows Office applications (Excel, Word, Access)
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Good technical aptitude – able to understand basic engineering drawings and specifications.
• Knowledge of Lean Processes.
  
  

Operational Equipment

• N/A
  
  

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Work Environment

Office Office setting. Seldom exposed to fumes or airborne particles. Loud working environment of the shop area. Functional vision and hearing required.

Physical Demands

Office Sedentary.

The Hillman Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, protected veteran or military status, genetic information, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. The information collected by this application is solely to determine suitability for employment, verify identity and maintain employment statistics on applicants.