Buyer - Planner

NAPPCO Fastener Company is a distributor of standard and specialized fasteners, electronic and access hardware. We are headquartered in Houston, TX with locations in Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. It is our goal to provide our customers with quality-assured products that are competitively priced. Our company has a proud history of providing growth and advancement opportunities for its employees. This is an exciting and challenging opportunity for the right person.

The purchasing department is responsible for maintaining a working balance between operational efficiency, supplier relationship management, and financial stewardship.  The department will be responsible for sourcing high-quality products, negotiating favorable terms, and building resilient supplier partnerships that ensure our customers never face a stockout.

Purchasing Department Goals:

1. Inventory Velocity & Health – Achieving the ideal balance between high fill rates in a timely manner (customer satisfaction) and low aged inventory (working capital efficiency). 
2. Supply Chain Resilience – Identifying and mitigating risks by investigating alternatives/ substitutions and creating “Plan B” available inventory options while ensuring purchase cost meets planned gross profit percentages.
3. Sustainability & Compliance – Ensuring that 100% of the supply chain meets customer quality standards, ethical labor standards, and environmental targets.

Job Responsibilities:

Procurement & Vendor Management

• Issue and manage purchase order maintenance from inception to receipt, ensuring 100% accuracy in pricing and delivery dates
• Monitor vendor performance using on-time delivery and order accuracy
• Manage the resolution of discrepancies regarding shipments, invoices, or product quality
• Negotiate with suppliers on lead-time reductions, minimum order quantities, and price breaks

Demand Planning & Inventory Management

• Manage replenishment parameters (Min/Max Levels, Reorder Points, Lead-times, etc.) to maintain optimal inventory health
• Analyze historical sales data and seasonal trends to evaluate inventory health for short-term and long-term planning
• Collaborate with Sales team to align procurement with demand signals.
• Identify back-order or overstock situations and develop & communicate mitigation actions to resolve inventory risks in a timely and efficient manner
• Solution back-order scenarios within 24 hours and/or communicate mitigation plan to Sales team
• Execute monthly excess and dead stock inventory reviews and develop strategies to reduce “write-offs”.
• Provide effective and timely communication for all critical supply disruptions.

Process Improvement & Strategy

• Identify opportunities for automation within the procurement workflow to increase team efficiency
• Mentor Jr. Buyer/ Planner on best practices in supply chain metrics
• Review and update purchasing work instructions with new software features or communication procedures
• Train and guide Jr. Buyer/ Planner on career development and growth plans
• Support supply chain manager in implementing departmental standards and procurement values

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply chain, Logistics, Business or related field OR a Minimum of 5 years purchasing / materials management experience
• Possess a great attention to detail
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Highly proficient with MS Office (Word, Excel & PowerPoint)
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to clearly present/ communicate inventory health risks and solutions to cross-functional stakeholders and/or leadership team
• Possess proactive problem-solving to address supply disruptions before the Sales team knows they exist
• Fastener experience preferred but not necessary.
• Knowledge of Epicor Prophet 21 OR working experience in ERP/MRP software environments
• Knowledgeable in overseas purchasing and purchase operations, a plus
• Experience with a continuous improvement methodology (ISO, LEAN, Six Sigma)
• Ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Ability to learn and adapt to varied work assignments
• Willing to assume responsibility for efficiency and accuracy of work performed
• Willing to accept other duties as assigned by direct supervisor