Buyer​/Planner

The Buyer-Planner is a dual-role purchasing and planning professional responsible for overseeing procurement processes and coordinating planning activities to ensure efficient material flow within the company. This role includes managing purchasing activities while analyzing demand forecasts to align supply with production schedules.

• Purchasing Management:
• Coordinate purchasing activities, reviewing purchase requisitions, and placing, tracking, and expediting purchase orders.
• Negotiate pricing and analyze vendor performance to support NPI (New Product Introduction) schedules.
• Process requisitions and change orders; gather quotations; and award contracts to vendors.
• Obtain materials based on engineering specifications and production schedules to maintain inventory levels using just-in-time purchasing and economic order quantity methods.
• Expedite and reschedule orders as necessary to meet production requirements.
• Ensure material standards are met and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Analyze demand forecasts and current inventory levels to develop effective planning strategies.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, production, sales, and engineering teams to optimize the procurement strategy.
• Monitor inventory levels and adjust purchasing strategies to minimize excess and obsolescence.
• Develop and implement inventory management strategies that ensure timely availability of materials.
• Process Improvement:
• Participate in improving procurement team processes through cost analysis and developing new supply sources.
• Evaluate vendor reliability and assist in making recommendations for cost‑saving proposals, including make‑versus‑buy analysis.
• Monitor cost, schedule, and scope of subcontracts; provide prompt, professional customer service.
• Assist Sales in pricing and contract negotiations while complying with statutory and regulatory requirements.

• Experience:
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a purchasing or planning role within the Contract Manufacturing (CM) sector or similar environment.
• Skills:
• Strong working knowledge of CM technology.
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Excellent team relations and demonstrated ability to follow instructions to achieve goals.
• Above-average computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel; experience with ERP systems is preferred.
• Commitment:
• Dedication to quality awareness ensuring compliance with product, statutory, and regulatory requirements.
• Focus on improving Quality Management Systems with a strong emphasis on product quality, on‑time delivery, and customer satisfaction.

$70,500 to $90K yearly, FLSA Status:
Exempt