Buyer Planner

Reporting to the Purchasing Manager, the Buyer Planner position is on-site at the distribution center 3 days a week with 2 remote days. The Buyer Planner is responsible for ensuring the timely availability of materials to support production while optimizing inventory levels and minimizing supply chain disruptions. This position combines purchasing execution with inventory planning, demand analysis, supplier coordination, and data‑driven decision making. The ideal candidate possesses the knowledge and skills to communicate with team members at every level of the company (such as Managers and Supervisors, Shipping and Receiving, Demand Planner, Marketing) and suppliers while using data to support planning and purchasing decisions. Responsibilities Analyze inventory levels, usage trends, and demand requirements to ensure material availability Create and manage purchase orders to support production schedules and inventory targets Monitor supplier deliveries, lead times, and open orders to prevent material shortages Maintain planning parameters within the Excel/ERP/MRP system Review data recommendations and take appropriate purchasing actions Identify potential shortages, supply risks, and inventory imbalances and develop corrective action plans Work closely with Production, Operations, Engineering, and Customer Service to align material supply with business requirements Develop and maintain inventory, purchasing, and supplier performance reports Analyze inventory turns, excess inventory, slow‑moving inventory, and stock‑out trends Support new product introductions by coordinating material availability and supplier readiness Track and report key supply chain metrics including inventory levels, shortages, supplier performance, and material availability Utilize data analysis to improve planning accuracy, inventory efficiency, and overall supply chain performance Perform any and all other job related tasks as assigned Basic Requirements High School diploma required; Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred 2+ years in purchasing, planning, inventory control, or supply chain within manufacturing Summary of Necessary Knowledge, Experience, and Skills Advanced Excel skills including Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, SUMIFS, INDEX/MATCH, and dashboard reporting Experience with ERP/MRP systems Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities Ability to analyze inventory, demand, and supply data to support business decisions Excellent communication and organizational skills Experience with Power BI or similar reporting tools preferred Employee Benefits Competitive Pay Generous Paid Time Off Insurance Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription, Life, and Short-Term Disability) On-Site Clinic and Fitness Center 401K Match and Deferred Profit-Sharing Program Quarterly Profit Sharing Employee Assistance Program Scholarship Opportunity and Tuition Reimbursement $150 Boot Allowance Employee Discount at Lodge Factory Store and Big Bad Breakfast Safety, Holiday, and Celebration Events EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Lodge Manufacturing does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, veteran status, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law). #J-18808-Ljbffr