Buyer/Planner

Job Summary

The Buyer/Planner is responsible for purchasing materials, planning inventory, and ensuring a continuous supply of products and services to support manufacturing operations. This role manages supplier relationships, monitors inventory levels, coordinates with cross-functional teams, and utilizes ERP systems to optimize material flow, resolve shortages, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Procure materials, products, and services to support production schedules.
• Maintain inventory levels and ensure material availability.
• Monitor and update purchase orders, pricing, delivery schedules, and quantities.
• Coordinate with Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, Scheduling, Accounting, Receiving, and Sourcing teams.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Identify and resolve material shortages to support on-time production and customer deliveries.
• Utilize ERP systems and reporting tools for inventory management, forecasting, and KPI tracking.
• Support Kanban systems and material flow improvements.
• Participate in root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Stay current on business processes, products, and purchasing tools.
• Perform additional purchasing and planning duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of purchasing or material planning experience in a lean manufacturing environment.
• Experience with inventory management, procurement, and supplier coordination.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and time management skills.
• Excellent communication and customer service abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles.
• Experience with ERP systems.
• CPM certification or APICS membership preferred.