BUYER PLANNER JOB DESCRIPTION

Procurement runs on schedule, or production stops. When purchase orders are placed late, shortage reports pile up, and the factory floor waits on parts that should have arrived Tuesday. The Buyer Planner owns the purchasing function for an assigned product group - managing MRP and MPS signals, vendor relationships, and inventory levels to keep manufacturing operations moving. This role answers to supply chain and operations leadership, working daily across production planning, warehouse, and a supplier base that spans both local vendors and international sources. APICS certification distinguishes the most competitive candidates in this field.

As the Buyer Planner, you execute the full purchase order cycle - from MRP signal review and requisition processing through expediting, receipt, and invoice reconciliation - to sustain on-time delivery across a manufacturing supply chain. You work within a cross-functional environment alongside production planning, warehouse, accounting, and quality teams, with your performance measured against supplier on-time delivery rates and inventory turn targets.

Career Impact: Hands-on ownership of MRP-driven procurement in a manufacturing environment builds the supplier negotiation and ERP fluency that senior supply chain roles specifically require.

Business Impact: When shortage reports are cleared and purchase price variances are contained, production schedules hold - and the factory ships to its customers on time.

Growth Opportunity: The scope of this role, spanning vendor selection, demand forecasting, and corrective action management, positions experienced Buyer Planners to move into Supply Chain Manager or Procurement Lead roles.

• Own the purchase order process from requisition receipt through supplier confirmation, delivery, and three-way invoice match.
• Monitor MRP and MPS exception messages daily and act on expedite signals to maintain production schedule adherence.
• Evaluate shortage reports and coordinate with suppliers and sister facilities to recover parts against production timelines.
• Negotiate pricing, delivery terms, and cost reduction opportunities with assigned vendors within company guidelines.
• Assess Purchase Price Variances across the assigned commodity portfolio and deliver regular variance reporting to management.
• Manage supplier performance through quarterly evaluations, corrective action processes, and on-time delivery tracking.
• Analyze inventory levels against safety stock targets and production forecasts to prevent excess and avoid stock-outs.
• Coordinate with production planning, warehouse, and quality teams to resolve inbound material discrepancies and support continuous improvement initiatives.

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 3 or more years of material buying and planning experience in a manufacturing or production environment, with demonstrated MRP system use.
• Working knowledge of purchasing fundamentals, including the bid process, vendor certification, and supplier performance management.
• Proven ability to analyze shortage reports, evaluate supply chain constraints, and recommend corrective actions under production pressure.
• Strong negotiation skills with a track record of securing favorable pricing and delivery terms from a multi-vendor supply base.
• Proficiency in spreadsheet analysis, including pivot tables and data manipulation, to support inventory and variance reporting.
• Solid organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple purchase orders and supplier relationships simultaneously.

• APICS, CPIM, or PMAC certification, or active enrollment in a certification program.
• Experience in a Lean manufacturing environment, with familiarity with Kanban replenishment and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Background in international purchasing, including import documentation review and coordination with overseas vendors.
• Knowledge of assembly techniques, shop floor control, and bill-of-materials structure in a discrete or process manufacturing setting.

• Supplier on-time delivery rate, measuring how consistently vendors meet confirmed purchase order dates.
• Purchase Price Variance as a percentage of spend, tracking negotiated savings against standard cost.
• Inventory turns for the assigned commodity portfolio, reflecting balance between availability and excess exposure.
• Shortage report closure rate, indicating how quickly open expedites are resolved before production impact.
• Three-way match accuracy rate, measuring alignment between POs, receipts, and supplier invoices.
• Typical tools: ERP and MRP platforms (commonly SAP, JD Edwards, or Oracle); spreadsheet software (commonly Microsoft Excel)

• Base Salary Range: $55,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience and location.
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus of 5 to 10 percent of base salary.
• Equity: Typically not offered at this level in manufacturing environments.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution varies by company size.
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually, plus standard US holidays.
• Common Perks: 401(k) with employer match, tuition reimbursement for APICS or supply chain certifications, and occasional travel to supplier or plant sites.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, and local law. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process are encouraged to make that request known. All offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of a background check. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Buyer Planner owns the purchasing function for an assigned product group, acting on MRP, ERP, and MPS signals to transact purchase order releases, manage subcontracting work orders, and drive on-time delivery across the supply chain. Working with vendors, production teams, and sister companies, the Buyer Planner supports cost enhancement, product improvement, and delivery performance within a manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage vendor and supplier purchasing based on capabilities and requirements performance to company guidelines.
• Acts on MRP/ERP/MPS signals and transacts purchase order releases, expedite action messages, subcontracting work orders, and shop floor control to ensure on-time delivery.
• Schedule and expedite all purchased item shipments on a Just In Time basis.
• Evaluate and act on all Purchase Price Variances and provide regular reporting updates.
• Evaluate shortage reports and expedite manufactured and purchased parts from suppliers and sister companies.
• Research new products, suppliers, subcontractors, and manufacturers to assist in product improvements, delivery improvement, and cost enhancement.
• Evaluate supply chain logistics and capacity constraints and recommend remediation to achieve on-time delivery performance.
• Participate in evaluation and selection of vendors, procurement of goods, and management of selected vendors.
• Maintain purchasing records and recommend on-item site planning data conformance to ensure accordance with policy.

Required Qualifications

• College degree or diploma in production management, materials management, purchasing, or supply, or demonstrated work equivalence.
• APICS and/or PMAC designation preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience in production management and purchasing.
• Working knowledge of purchasing techniques, including the bid process, bid evaluation, vendor certification, and vendor management.
• Knowledge of item site planning fields and their interaction and integration with production needs, ERP signals, and forecasts.
• MRP, PRP, and MPS experience required.
• Superior computer skills as demonstrated with Microsoft Office and custom ERP software.
• Knowledge of assembly techniques and shop floor control in a manufacturing environment.
• Creative problem-solving skills and conflict management within centralized and matrix organizational structures.
• Ability to break down complex problems, conduct root cause analysis, and provide clear recommendations.

Embedded within a cross-functional manufacturing operation, the Buyer Planner procures materials, components, equipment, supplies, and services while scheduling and monitoring goods to meet production requirements. Working closely with the inventory team, management, and external suppliers, this Buyer Planner enables on-time delivery and optimum stock levels through supplier negotiation, market analysis, and quality assurance.

Core Functions

• Procure materials, components, equipment, supplies, and services necessary for the operation of the company.
• Plan, schedule, and monitor goods and services to meet the production requirements of the company.
• Build relationships with suppliers and negotiate for the best pricing.
• Process requisitions and update management on the status of orders.
• Update inventory and ensure that stock levels are kept at appropriate levels.
• Arrange transport of goods and track orders to ensure timely delivery.
• Analyze market trends and apply this knowledge to make insightful buying decisions.
• Assess the quality of stock received and escalate any discrepancies to suppliers and management.
• Coordinate with inventory team, management, and stockroom as required.

Qualifications and Experience

• 3 or more years of material buying and planning in a manufacturing setting.
• Experience in supply chain management and inventory control.
• Demonstrated negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office products, especially Word, Excel, Visio, and Project.
• Logical thinking with creative problem-solving ability.
• Ability to work in a cross-functional team environment and build strong relationships with external partners.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Highly motivated self-starter with the ability to work under ambiguity.
• Organized and able to balance multiple priorities and remain goal-focused.

Reporting to supply chain leadership, the Buyer Planner manages the full material requirements planning process, forecasting short- and long-term demand for raw materials and packaging products to support production continuity. Partnering with operations, marketing, accounting, and the warehouse, this role enables inventory optimization, cost efficiency, and seamless purchase order execution from order to final payment.

Primary Duties

• Manage the material requirements planning process and forecast short- and long-term demand for existing raw material and packaging products.
• Communicate replenishment planning results with the organization daily.
• Create purchase orders consistent with inventory management and distribution planning best practices.
• Own the full purchase order process, assuring smooth flow from order to receipt to payment, including PO confirmation, accuracy, price, volume, and ETA dates.
• Expedite purchase orders to meet production requirements and close or return POs systematically as required.
• Assure a perfect three-way match between PO, receipt, and invoice, facilitating discrepancy resolution between accounting, procurement, and the warehouse.
• Manage day-to-day supplier relationships within the confines of defined contracts.
• Manage the corrective action process for assigned categories, conducting analysis and investigations regarding operational issues.
• Participate in and support projects associated with the supply chain to improve productivity.
• Manage ERP systems maintenance, including supplier master data, SKU master, and purchase order data.

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• CPM or APICS certification preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience, preferably in buying with emphasis in the food industry.
• Experience with planning systems and processes, including MRP.
• Experience with buying products for manufacturing.
• Advanced expertise in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and formulas.
• Strong analytical and data management skills with proven ability to think critically and make timely decisions.
• Results-driven with a sense of urgency and ability to independently manage multi-step procedures.
• Clear written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

Sitting at the intersection of procurement strategy and production scheduling, the Buyer Planner defines required purchases by planning, scheduling, and monitoring the movement of materials and services throughout the product life cycle using JDE, SAP, and MRP systems. Operating across engineering, operations, and supply chain teams, this role ensures on-time sourcing execution, production schedule adherence, and effective capacity planning in an aerospace or manufacturing environment.

Duties

• Define required purchases or deliverables by planning, scheduling, and monitoring the movement of materials, goods, or services throughout the product life cycle.
• Utilize JDE, SAP, and MRP in the planning, monitoring, and launching of production work orders and outside process orders in support of operations objectives.
• Initiate purchase orders and amendments for parts, services, and special tools.
• Plan schedules and inventory control parameters for products and services, consistent with requirements or as arranged with requisitions.
• Work from engineering plans and production specifications to establish production schedules, labor loading, and capacity requirements.
• Arrange for submission and inspection of products and assure timely execution of sourcing activities.
• Reschedule in case of design changes, labor and material shortages, backlogs, and other interruptions.

Requirements

• Post-secondary degree or equivalent combination of relevant education and work experience.
• 5-7 years of relevant experience in procurement and planning.
• Knowledge of procurement and planning best practices with experience managing tight development program deadlines in an aerospace or manufacturing environment.
• Experience in Enterprise Resource Planning and Material Requirements Planning systems.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and database management tools.
• Highly organized with the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, written and verbal, with ability to drive tasks to completion.

A key member of the supply chain and operations team, the Buyer Planner manages planning and purchasing of overseas material requirements, equipment, and supplies from non-inventory vendors to achieve business objectives. Collaborating across internal departments and with external vendor partners, this role sustains on-time delivery performance by developing shortage recovery processes, analyzing MRP exceptions, and driving cost reduction initiatives.

Functions

• Manage planning and purchasing of overseas material requirements, equipment, and supplies from non-inventory vendors to achieve business objectives.
• Run daily reports on departmental key performance indicators such as availability, stock-outs, and vendor on-time delivery and plan inventory as required.
• Develop and sustain a process flow for identifying current and potential product shortages and executing recovery by establishing communication with the business unit to expedite as required.
• Develop and analyze weekly shortage reports for items with extended lead time and liaise with internal and external parties to expedite as required.
• Coordinate the outside service process with external vendors and between various internal departments.
• Review exceptions on the Material Replenishment Report and establish communication with other departments to address as required.
• Place POs for non-inventory items based on weekly checklist review and review in-transit lines on a weekly and ongoing basis.
• Negotiate and propose cost reduction initiatives from local vendors while maintaining productivity.

Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management or equivalent education and experience.
• Minimum 3 years of planning and scheduling experience in operations or supply chain.
• Good understanding of supply chain metrics with ability to perform detailed data analysis.
• Ability to use and work effectively with ERP and MRP systems, with proficiency in Axapta and MS Office products.
• Strong problem-solving skills and high attention to detail.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to follow processes, prioritize, and manage time effectively.
• Able to engage effectively in a team environment with a commitment to continuous improvement.

Sustainable supply chain performance and cost reduction depend on the Buyer Planner, who conducts MRP analysis, manages supplier performance, and supports strategic sourcing projects alongside tactical purchasing efforts within a value stream organization. Based within a manufacturing and machining environment, this role serves as the business liaison between suppliers and internal teams, driving onboarding of new suppliers, disposition of non-conforming materials, and execution of re-sourcing initiatives.

Accountabilities

• Conduct MRP analysis aimed at volume consolidation and master data corrections.
• Assist with data mining efforts for the definition and setup of economic order quantities.
• Manage supplier performance and conduct tactical price negotiation.
• Create and distribute purchase orders and expedite orders to meet changing delivery requirements.
• Review incoming international orders and import documentation for accuracy and obtain corrections if necessary.
• Manage the corrective action process for non-conforming materials, including disposition, return, and disposal under buyer code.
• Assist in the identification, selection, qualification, and onboarding of new suppliers.
• Support re-sourcing initiatives to reduce direct and indirect costs while maintaining a sustainable supply chain.
• Define programs, monitor performance, and report results of activities to management.

Technical Qualifications

• 5-7 years of purchasing and/or sourcing experience in a manufacturing, machining, fabrication, or casting environment.
• APICS or supply chain management certifications preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma certification is a plus.
• International purchasing experience is a plus.
• MRP and ERP system experience required, with Oracle experience as a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, with Power BI experience as a plus.
• Kanban and VMI experience preferred.
• Continuous improvement and Lean experience is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree preferred, with relevant work experience considered in lieu of a degree.

As the Buyer Planner, this role purchases raw materials, manages supplier performance, and oversees inventory control to support on-time production and customer shipping standards in an electronics manufacturing environment. The production and purchasing departments rely on this work to maintain optimum stock levels, meet budgeted targets, and ensure adherence to quality and shipping standards across receiving, stockroom, and production controls.

Activities

• Purchase raw materials, process purchase orders for sub-contract operations, and create jobs to replenish finished goods inventory as needed.
• Track, update, and actively communicate changes in purchase order delivery dates or quantities to production planning and engineers.
• Analyze sales and historical purchasing data to forecast purchasing requirements, regulate safety stock levels, and maintain optimum inventory levels while keeping costs to a minimum.
• Manage supplier performance for timely deliveries and provide minimum quarterly evaluations with improvement plans if necessary.
• Obtain price quotes from multiple vendors and negotiate the most favorable pricing and delivery terms.
• Manage accurate inventory and lead annual full physical inventory, issuing raw material to jobs for manufacturing.
• Ensure adherence to customer shipping standards and develop high-quality shipping standards if customer standards are not available.
• Meet budgeted targets for shipping, purchasing, receiving, stockroom, and production controls departments.

Position Requirements

• 2-5 years of experience in a purchasing and material control role, with electronics manufacturing experience as a plus.
• Degree in business or related field preferred, with relevant experience considered.
• Knowledge of MRP systems required, with Epicor software experience as a plus.
• Working knowledge of procedures for an ISO-certified company is a plus.
• Demonstrated success in negotiating pricing and delivery terms.
• Advanced analytical skills with a detail-oriented, organized, and positive approach.
• Ability to communicate effectively with suppliers, engineers, inventory, and material control personnel.
• Ability to work independently in a small company environment wearing multiple hats.

Buyer Planner owns the Kanban boards and daily stand-up process, purchasing material and managing inventory within a focus factory to keep production cells running and customer demand met with zero late deliveries. The work directly supports continuous improvement activities, key performance indicator achievement, and real-time coordination between the production floor and customers.

Operational Focus

• Manage the Kanban boards and purchase material to keep the cells running.
• Manage the stand-up meeting with cell leaders, reviewing late, current, and future demand and creating a plan to meet customer demand while reducing cost.
• Monitor inventory in the focus factory and reduce or resize Kanban as necessary.
• Audit the Kanban process by checking for material without a card, card without material, missing card and material on board, material pulled from two bins, and material not in a dedicated location.
• Act as an interface between the floor and customer, communicate problems, and deal with customer demand to ensure zero late deliveries.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities that drive key performance indicators.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• High school diploma or GED equivalency.
• 2 or more years of related experience.
• Knowledge of Lean and thorough knowledge of Kanban principles, product component knowledge, and assembly processes preferred.
• Proficient in Excel as a tool for data analysis.
• Ability to work collaboratively with hourly personnel.
• Well-developed verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to problem-solve and multi-task as required.

The Buyer Planner delivers accurate supplier communication and purchase order management, issuing POs, confirming part deliveries, managing claims, and maintaining current data within the Oracle system to support logistics and sales collaboration. Working closely with logistics and sales departments, this role ensures documentation accuracy and consistent customer communication across the procurement cycle.

Key Deliverables

• Communicate with suppliers, issue purchase orders, and confirm delivery of parts.
• Generate thorough written reports summarizing investigations for out-of-specification results or out-of-procedure events.
• Work with the Oracle system, maintaining current data for reports and analysis.
• Collaborate closely with logistics and sales departments.
• Prepare, manage, and monitor documentation and ensure communication with customers.

Professional Experience

• Technical or economic high school diploma or university degree.
• Fluent knowledge of English at B2 level.
• Knowledge of Oracle system is an advantage.
• High-level communication skills.
• Smart and professional personality with strong target orientation.

Embedded within a regulated manufacturing environment, the Buyer Planner manages assigned suppliers, commodities, and product categories to ensure materials, parts, and finished goods meet quality requirements, technical specifications, and delivery expectations under FDA and cGMP standards. Working closely with accounting, procurement, the warehouse, and regulatory teams, this role develops commodity strategies, negotiates supplier agreements, and conducts risk assessments to sustain short- and long-term supply chain objectives.

Areas of Ownership

• Manage assigned suppliers, commodities, and product categories to ensure the business receives materials, parts, assemblies, finished goods, and services that meet quality requirements, technical specifications, low-cost objectives, and delivery expectations.
• Maintain inventory in the business enterprise management system SAP.
• Monitor and report on inventory turnover and shrinkage, including breakage, yields, and product obsolescence, and develop ways to optimize inventory and minimize cost.
• Support sourcing and procurement needs driven by new product development programs and sustaining engineering and marketing changes.
• Develop and implement appropriate commodity strategies for sustaining short- and long-term plans, including identifying and developing alternative sources to improve quality, costs, and delivery.
• Establish metrics and maintain records pertaining to purchased materials and services to control cost, variance, quality, delivery, logistics, and inventory.
• Negotiate robust service contracts and supplier agreements to leverage cost and quality, mitigate supply risks, and build supplier relationships.
• Manage the supplier change notification system to update changes to specifications, assess inventory impact, and monitor change progress in line with cGMP standards.
• Conduct risk assessments of critical and complex supply chain elements and participate in regulatory and internal inspections and audits.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, operations management, business administration, material science, or a closely related field.
• APICS or CPIM certification preferred.
• Related industrial purchasing experience preferred, with experience in a pharmaceutical, GMP, or FDA-regulated environment preferred.
• Basic understanding of the fundamentals of purchasing, inventory control, and supply chain principles.
• Expertise in material flow process knowledge, including lead time, transit times, two-tier supply, and cost drivers preferred.
• Experience handling strategic sourcing and negotiation of complex business issues and risk assessments preferred.
• Sound knowledge of ERP and MRP systems, with SAP preferred.
• Proficient in MS Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to make structured decisions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact with personnel at all levels.

Reporting to the supply chain manager, the Buyer Planner balances inventory and manages fill rate to deliver maximum value by executing MRP reviews, forecast management, vendor collaboration, and purchase order placement to ensure product availability. Partnering with internal stakeholders across customer service, production, and finance, this role drives annual cost reduction goals, process improvement, and inventory accuracy through expert demand planning and ERP system management.

Role Responsibilities

• Through MRP review, forecast management, and vendor collaboration, ensure product availability.
• Review requisitions, place purchase orders, issue change notices, review exception messages, and follow up and expedite delivery of materials or services to ensure adherence to production schedules.
• Monitor in-stock and delivery status to take expediting steps and share accurate available-to-promise information with key internal stakeholders.
• Maximize effective use of the ERP system and other company technology platforms to increase material management efficiency.
• Maintain material master records for assigned materials and ensure accurate ERP records and source lists to reconcile supplier invoices for payment.
• Review and maintain internal and external Kanban replenishment, vendor-managed programs, scheduling agreements, and blanket orders.
• Define and apply complex data analysis and analytical tools for process improvements.
• Provide reporting and deliver annual cost reduction and process improvement goals to support facility metrics.
• Conduct cycle counts and reconcile ERP inventory, including support of physical inventory to ensure inventory accuracy.

Background and Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• CPIM or APICS certification preferred.
• 3-5 years of purchasing and negotiation experience, with 5 or more years preferred.
• Planning experience preferred.
• Expert knowledge in work order management, scheduling, production, and capacity planning, including BOM material management, item master setup, and MRP principles.
• Expert experience in demand planning and scheduling.
• Sound knowledge of supply chain, purchasing reporting systems, and quality assurance.
• Proficient in Excel with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Strong communication and customer care skills when interacting with internal and external customers.
• Demonstrated ability to support a cross-functional team and influence others.
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Sitting at the intersection of inventory planning and supplier management, the Buyer Planner owns all aspects of the inventory plan from demand and forecast management through PO placement to final receipt and payment, managing fill rate performance while balancing inventory investment and cash flow. Operating across product management, warehouse, sales, and external supplier partners, this role enables on-time and in-full delivery, excess and obsolete inventory reduction, and new product launch execution across all distribution locations.

Job Functions

• Own on-time and in-full fill rate performance while balancing inventory investment and cash flow.
• Manage the inventory plan and strategy for a specific customer vertical across all locations, including stocking positions and inventory transfer volumes.
• Adjust inventory parameters and demand history to derive an appropriate inventory plan.
• Execute, track, and monitor purchase orders for assigned product portfolio.
• Work with vendor partners on delivery lead times, shipping compliance, product quality, and other key initiatives.
• Support field requests related to market intelligence, inventory requests, and missed sales opportunities.
• Work with product management on new product launches, portfolio strategy transitions, and end-of-life discontinuations.
• Review inventory positions within assigned portfolio and identify opportunities to deplete excess and obsolete inventory.
• Own key processes related to the product portfolio, including warranty, returns, and emergency event planning.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 3-5 years of experience in supply chain or inventory management.
• Experience in demand planning, forecasting, and purchase order management.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Access and Excel.
• Ability to analyze and manipulate data to derive a strategy and execute accordingly.
• Exceptional attention to detail, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills with the ability to tailor messaging based on audience.
• Passion for process improvement and willingness to lead change initiatives.
• Collaborative, process-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.

A key member of the Materials, Procurement, Distribution Center, and Accounting Teams, the Buyer Planner maintains solid communication and information flow through the supply chain by analyzing demand requirements and placing and maintaining purchase orders to ensure adequate material flow into the Distribution Center. Collaborating across production supervision, quality personnel, and the supply base, this role improves supplier on-time delivery, supports cycle count reconciliation, and maximizes throughput through Kanban and PFEP-based scheduling.

What You'll Do

• Analyze data for planning and release, shortage resolution, ordering, and inventory analysis.
• Schedule and release production orders according to Kanban and PFEP priority and production schedules.
• Provide delivery date commitments on work in process and finished goods products to the value stream manager, materials manager, and customer service.
• Prepare purchase requisitions, generate purchase orders, and work with suppliers to ensure parts are delivered on time.
• Review exception reports from the MRP system and make adjustments as required.
• Work with suppliers to reconcile invoices and payments and manage performance improvements.
• Monitor inventory levels to avoid excess inventory, shortages, and inaccuracies.
• Work with quality personnel to resolve supplier quality issues.
• Assist with cycle count reconciliations as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain or a related field with 1-2 years of work experience, or equivalent 4 or more years of experience in a supply chain role.
• 5 years of related experience preferred.
• Lean manufacturing and planning experience.
• JDE ordering system experience.
• Experience using Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Strong communication and project management skills.

On-time work order execution and uninterrupted material flow depend on the Buyer Planner, who purchases raw materials, reviews MRP messages, and manages supplier relationships to maintain inventory levels and data integrity across a lean manufacturing supply chain organization. Serving as the organization's point of contact for specific vendors, this role encourages lean and continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring safe work practices and prompt resolution of vendor product and service issues.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Purchase raw materials to ensure material availability for timely work order execution by issuing purchase orders and work orders for production materials and subcontractor supplies.
• Review MRP messages for accuracy and action exceptions appropriately.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels and disposition the slow-moving inventory report on a monthly basis.
• Ensure data integrity of all product information and flow of product through receiving and into available inventory.
• Communicate and collaborate with suppliers to resolve material availability issues and serve as the organization's point of contact for specific vendors.
• Provide support to the organization for problems with vendor products and services.
• Actively create, participate in, and encourage lean activities and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Follow safe work procedures and promptly report all incidents and safety issues to supervisors.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business or supply chain, or equivalent experience.
• APICS certification or currently pursuing preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience in planning, procurement, materials management, or commodity management.
• MRP and ERP system experience in a supply chain manufacturing organization.
• Knowledge of JDA business systems and JD Edwards.
• Strong background in a lean manufacturing environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong mathematical, organizational, and inventory management skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and communication skills.

As the Buyer Planner, this role utilizes Material Requirements Planning to plan and execute purchase orders, manage supplier relationships, and maintain procurement master data within an ERP system in a scientific or medical device environment. The supply chain and quality teams rely on this work to sustain specification management, vendor change control, metrics reporting, and cross-functional process improvement initiatives that support cost savings and product integrity.

Scope of Work

• Utilize Material Requirements Planning to plan and execute purchase orders.
• Manage supplier relationships, evaluate supplier performance, and communicate with suppliers periodically.
• Manage materials supply and inventory levels for assigned product lines.
• Maintain procurement master data in the respective ERP system.
• Report metrics including purchase price variance, on-time delivery, backorder, and supplier scorecards for assigned suppliers.
• Resolve accounts payable issues and ensure supplier contract adherence where applicable.
• Manage vendor changes and submit to the CCB change board.
• Perform specification management in Master Control and work with suppliers on engineering changes.
• Participate in cross-functional team meetings, process improvement projects, and cost savings and quality improvement initiatives.

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred in business administration, manufacturing operations, or supply chain management.
• Enrollment in APICS or CSPM certification program preferred.
• 1 or more years of business experience, preferably in procurement.
• Experience in a scientific environment or medical device field preferred.
• Experience with ERP systems, Oracle preferred, and MS Office including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Ability to establish strong interpersonal relationships with demonstrated sound judgment, persistence, and diplomacy.
• Self-motivated with a willingness to take initiative and work independently with attention to detail.
• Customer service orientation and demonstrated integrity, intensity, innovation, and involvement.

Buyer Planner advances uninterrupted material flow to support manufacturing and customer on-time delivery by reviewing purchase requisitions against the master production schedule, creating purchase orders, expediting material through the change board process, and supporting the Supply Chain Sales and Inventory Planning process. Success in the position means demonstrating MRP system expertise, applying root cause analysis to supply and delivery risks, and building a track record of successful project closure across a diverse, cross-functional environment.

Work Activities

• Ensure uninterrupted flow of material to support manufacturing and customer on-time delivery.
• Review purchase requisitions against the master production schedule to validate demand.
• Create purchase orders in accordance with requisitions and contractual requirements.
• Expedite material as needed, negotiating and working changes within the supply base through the change board process.
• Negotiate with suppliers as required for reschedules in support of inventory and business objectives.
• Support the Supply Chain Sales and Inventory Planning process.
• Assist the supplier performance evaluation process and interface with supplier quality personnel.

Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 2 years of prior relevant experience, or 6 years of relevant experience in absence of a degree.
• Understanding of the Supply Chain Sales, Inventory, and Planning process.
• Demonstrated experience in MRP systems, preferably SAP, with understanding of procurement parameters.
• Ability to identify risks that affect supply and delivery.
• Understanding of basic project management tools, including scope of work, work breakdown structure, responsibility matrix, and change management.
• Demonstrated experience with root cause analysis for problem solving.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals with a track record of achieving successful project closure.

The Buyer Planner creates the main point of contact for supplier relationships, negotiating pricing, managing supply orders, executing change control actions, and monitoring inventory levels within a regulated manufacturing environment. Working closely with supplier quality engineers and cross-functional project teams, this role enables component availability, procurement savings, and contract compliance through MRP and ERP systems and advanced planning tools.

Performance Expectations

• Update and use ERP in relation to supplier accounts, prices, and orders.
• Provide data and assess supplier service level and performance.
• Negotiate prices and plan savings.
• Plan, execute, and monitor procurement of components and define component supply parameters.
• Monitor inventory levels and participate in negotiating and enforcing supplier supply and quality contract terms.
• Execute change control-related actions and participate in project teams to coordinate related supplier activities.
• Proactively report and resolve component availability issues.

Technical Qualifications

• Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Business Studies, or equivalent work experience required.
• APICS certification, CPIM, or CSCP is a plus.
• 4 years of experience in a regulated manufacturing environment preferred.
• Significant experience using MRP and ERP systems, especially advanced planning systems.
• Understanding of ERP systems and Microsoft Office products, with proficiency in Excel.
• Strong communication, time management, and presentation skills.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks with strict deadlines.
• Data analysis and numeric skills using logic and reasoning to identify solutions.

Reporting to supply chain management, the Buyer Planner develops vendor relations and manages purchase orders across a global parts business, processing quantity, price, and lead time changes while ensuring alignment with global and regional sourcing strategies. Working closely with customer service and quality teams, this role maintains service levels through financial and inventory reporting, consistent pricing, and proactive communication of vendor issues that could affect delivery commitments.

Core Responsibilities

• Manage purchase orders by completing order acknowledgements, processing quantity, price, and lead time changes, and managing item attributes.
• Work with global supply chain to ensure alignment with global and regional sourcing strategies and consistent pricing.
• Promote good vendor relations and inform management of vendor problems that could affect quality and delivery commitments.
• Preserve close coordination with customer service and quality to maintain service levels.
• Perform financial and inventory reporting in accordance with standard schedules.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or APICS certification required.
• 5 years of experience in planning and/or purchasing in a manufacturing environment.
• Equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Basic knowledge of purchasing practices and procedures.
• Good verbal and written communication ability.

Reporting to supply chain leadership, the Buyer Planner evaluates procurement policies, analyzes material requirements and inventory, and recommends continuous improvement in cost reduction, quality, and delivery to maintain on-time performance and targeted inventory levels. Partnering with engineering, production, accounting, quality, and all organizational levels, this role enforces legal and regulatory requirements, implements improvement solutions, and delivers reports on supplier performance and spend that directly support facility-wide operational metrics.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and evaluate procurement policies, systems technology, and practices to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Prepare data and reports pertaining to on-time delivery, supplier performance, usage and spend, and shortage.
• Recommend continuous improvement in cost reduction, quality, and delivery.
• Support engineering, production, accounting, and quality with projects such as processing ECOs, expediting floor stock, conducting month-end close, and communicating customer and supplier needs.
• Review delivery requirements and expedite when necessary.
• Analyze material requirements and inventory to maintain on-time delivery and targeted inventory levels.
• Analyze key inventory control measures to identify trends and opportunities for improvement and follow through with implementing solutions.
• Interpret and monitor adherence to functional and corporate policies and procedures, including legal and regulatory requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in a supply chain function including customer service, buying, or planning roles.
• APICS certification, CPIM, and/or CPM highly desired.
• Supply chain function experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Materials Requirements Planning knowledge and MFG/Pro or other ERP system experience.
• Knowledge and experience with continuous improvement, Lean, and Six Sigma tools.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office products.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to interface with all levels within the organization.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.