Planner/Buyer

Job Overview

The Planner / Buyer is a critical role that requires a highly analytical, detail oriented, and proactive individual. This position is responsible for the intricate management and oversight of production scheduling and raw material procurement to ensure the seamless operation of manufacturing processes. The role demands a deep understanding of supply chain logistics, production cycles, and inventory management, coupled with a strategic capability to negotiate and secure materials from suppliers at optimal costs and terms.

This role is designed for a visionary and tactical professional who thrives in a complex and dynamic environment. The ideal candidate will possess a robust analytical skill set with a thorough understanding of production scheduling and procurement dynamics. This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to directly contribute to the efficiency and success of the manufacturing operations.

#LI-SL1

A Day In The Life

Production and Material Planning

• Develop and maintain a detailed production schedule that aligns with company objectives and manufacturing capabilities.
• Analyze and interpret complex production data, including volume forecasts, manufacturing capacities, and lead time to create a streamlined production plan.
• Coordinate with various departments such as Production, Sales, and R&D to incorporate new product launches, enhancements, and discontinuations into the production schedule.
• Continuously monitor production progress against the schedule, adjusting and optimizing as necessary to address bottlenecks, delays, or changes in priority.

Procurement and Supplier Management

• Strategically source raw materials and components required for production, ensuring they meet company policy, quality standards, on-time delivery, responsiveness and cost specifications.
• Negotiate contracts and terms with suppliers, focusing on long-term partnerships, cost reductions, and sustainability initiatives.
• Resolve supplier-related issues, including shortages, delays, quality concerns, and invoice discrepancies.
• Manage supplier performance through regular reviews and assessments to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and performance metrics.
• Develop risk management strategies to mitigate potential supply chain disruptions and ensure continuity of supply.

Inventory Control

• Oversee inventory levels of raw materials and finished goods to maintain optimal stock levels that support production and sales objectives.
• Implement and maintain inventory management systems to accurately track stock movements, usage rates, and reorder points.
• Maintain inventory accuracy through effective planning and transaction management.
• Identify and reduce excess, obsolete, and slow-moving inventory.
• Support cycle counting, inventory audits, and reconciliation activities to identify discrepancies and opportunities for improvement in inventory accuracy and turnover.

Cross-functional Collaboration and Reporting

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that all aspects of the production and procurement process are aligned with the broader business strategy.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, logistics, procurement, and engineering teams to support business objectives.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations for senior management, highlighting production performance, procurement efficiency, and potential areas of improvement.
• Develop and maintain key planning and procurement reports.
• Communicate supply constraints and recovery plans to stakeholders.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, applying lean manufacturing principles and practices to enhance production efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Support ERP/MRP system enhancements and process standardization efforts.

Compliance and Best Practices

• Ensure all planning and procurement activities comply with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Stay informed of the latest trends and developments in planning, procurement, and supply chain management to continuously refine and enhance departmental practices
• Maintain accurate data within ERP/MRP systems.
• Support internal and external audits related to inventory and purchasing activities.

What will help you thrive in this role?

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in planning, procurement and materials management in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong proficiency in ERP and MRP systems, and advanced capabilities in MS Excel and data analysis tools.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills, with exceptional organizational, negotiation, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams to support operational objectives and continuous improvement initiatives.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
• The person in this position requires the ability to move throughout the office and production floor environments to access file storage systems, office machinery, and other resources necessary to perform assigned duties.