Supply Chain Planner/Buyer

Reports To: Supply Chain Manager/Cost Accountant

For over 70 years, WALTER Surface Technologies has been a world leader in surface treatment technologies, providing high-performance abrasives, tools, power tools, chemical solutions, safety solutions, and welding process solutions designed for the metalworking industry. Our core philosophy is focused on helping customers work better and achieve greatness through advanced technology, strong product performance, safety, durability, and solutions that increase productivity and profitability.

We are rapidly growing and seek to hire a Supply Chain Planner/Buyer, reporting to the Supply Chain Manager. This is an ‘on-site’ position in our ‘Hermes’ production facility in Virginia Beach, VA, USA. Backed by more than 45 years of expertise in the coated abrasives industry, Hermes Abrasives' Virginia Beach facility serves as a key production, warehousing, and supply chain hub, supporting the manufacture and delivery of high-quality abrasive solutions to customers across North America.

Position Summary

In this supply chain role, you will ensure the timely and cost-effective replenishment of finished goods and raw materials by collaborating with internal teams and external partners. You will manage material movement across continents with long lead times partnering closely with Logistics, Sales, Customer Service, and Production. Additionally, you will play a pivotal role in our transformation journey as we implement new systems: Dynamics 365 (ERP), and a Logility (a 'Gartner' Magic Quadrant best-of-breed supply chain planning software).

Key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role will include inventory turns, service levels and vendor On-Time In-Full (OTIF) metrics.

Key Responsibilities

Replenishment

• Collaborate with demand and inventory planners to review and adjust Logility suggested order quantities as necessary.
• Issue purchase orders of finished goods and raw materials aligned to replenishment schedules (or as needed) to minimise backorders.
• Issue production orders for items produced in-house aligned to the master production plan (or as needed)
• Build optimal replenishment loads to balance logistics costs and working capital investment.
• Maintain accurate master data and ensure timely updates in the ERP system to minimise disruptions in material flow.
• Track and trace purchase orders, collaborating with suppliers and logistics partners to resolve issues.

External Collaboration

• Build strong vendor relationships by sharing rolling 12-month forecasts to minimise disruptions.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs), provide performance feedback, and collaborate on long-term improvements.
• Address quality concerns, late deliveries, or supply disruptions, and develop recovery plans for backorders.
• Ensure order acknowledgments, delivery confirmations, and maintain necessary vendor documentation.
• Collaborate with freight forwarders and customs brokers to ensure smooth logistics operations and compliance with import/export regulations.

Internal Collaboration

• Drive product commercialization and strategic sourcing activities with the R&D team.
• Collaborate with the CSR team to resolve order entry and fulfillment exceptions.
• Work closely with warehousing and logistics teams to minimise inbound and outbound disruptions.
• Address obsolescence risks, excess inventory, or non-moving stock.
• Support inventory control initiatives, including cycle counts, physical inventories, and continuous improvement efforts to maintain inventory integrity.
• Maintain master data, manage consignment inventory, and resolve negative inventory issues.
• Track inbound shipments and expedite critical materials when necessary.
• Support supplier corrective actions and material quality investigations.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements within supply management and collaborate with teams to implement best practices.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to extract, interpret, and analyze data using Excel, ERP/planning systems, and related tools.
• Advanced Excel skills, including VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and macros.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Strong problem-solving mindset to address supply chain challenges.
• Vendor management skills with the ability to build relationships and support performance improvement discussions.
• Willingness to continuously learn and adopt new tools, processes, and best practices.

Experience & Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Data Analytics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in supply chain replenishment, ideally in a high-SKU B2B environment with long lead times, complex global supply networks, low substitutability, and variable demand.
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems and supply chain planning tools, preferably in a supply chain context.
• Experience planning and executing replenishment responsibilities, including demand planning, inventory planning, and production planning.
• Experience in forecasting and demand planning is considered a strong asset.
• Experience with Power BI is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to manage internal and external relationships.

Affirmative Action / EEO Statement

Hermes Abrasives, Ltd. provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Other Duties

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.