Buyer / Planner

Job Description

Job Description

The Buyer/Planner is responsible for purchasing, production planning, and material cost management to ensure the timely and cost-effective availability of materials required to support manufacturing operations. This position plays a critical role in balancing customer demand, production schedules, inventory levels, and supplier performance while supporting the company's operational and financial objectives.

Working cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Engineering, Finance, Quality, and external suppliers, the Buyer/Planner develops production schedules, manages procurement activities, monitors inventory, maintains accurate material costs within the ERP system, and drives continuous improvement initiatives to support on-time delivery and operational efficiency.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Production Planning

• Develop, maintain, and update production schedules to meet customer demand and manufacturing capacity.
• Create, release, and manage manufacturing work orders.
• Coordinate production schedules with outsourced manufacturing partners and subcontractors.
• Plan and schedule kitting activities to ensure material availability for production.
• Monitor production progress and adjust schedules as needed to meet changing priorities.

Purchasing & Supplier Management

• Source and procure OEM components, machined parts, fabricated assemblies, equipment frames, injection-molded components, sheet metal, raw materials, and other production supplies.
• Create, issue, and manage purchase orders to ensure timely material delivery.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships while monitoring supplier performance for quality, cost, and delivery.
• Resolve supplier issues involving shortages, quality concerns, pricing, and delivery delays.
• Evaluate and qualify alternative suppliers and materials to improve cost, quality, and supply continuity.

Material Cost Management

• Manage and monitor material costs to support company profitability.
• Maintain accurate material pricing and purchasing data within the ERP system.
• Support cost accounting activities, including cost analysis, reporting, and variance investigations.
• Participate in cost reduction initiatives through supplier negotiations, sourcing strategies, and value engineering.

Inventory & Materials Management

• Analyze demand forecasts and inventory levels to maintain optimal inventory while minimizing excess and obsolete materials.
• Coordinate delivery schedules to support production requirements.
• Monitor inventory accuracy and recommend improvements to inventory control processes.
• Collaborate with warehouse and production teams to ensure material availability.

Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Utilize ERP/MRP systems to manage purchasing, inventory, production planning, and reporting activities.
• Prepare reports and analyze data to support purchasing and planning decisions.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve supply chain performance.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and quality standards.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience

• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in purchasing, production planning, materials management, or supply chain within a manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience using ERP/MRP systems (QAD, SAP, Oracle, or similar) for procurement, inventory management, and production planning.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of purchasing, production planning, MRP, inventory control, forecasting, and supply chain operations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage purchase orders, analyze material requirements, and coordinate production schedules.
• Experience negotiating with suppliers and managing supplier performance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems for reporting and data analysis.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to collaborate across multiple departments and build strong working relationships.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in semiconductor equipment, precision manufacturing, industrial equipment, or other technical manufacturing environments.
• Experience with QAD ERP.
• APICS certification (CPIM) and/or ISM certification (CPSM) is a plus.

Work Environment

• Primarily office-based within a manufacturing facility.
• Frequent interaction with production personnel, suppliers, engineering, finance, and warehouse operations.
• Occasional visits to the production floor are required.
• May require occasional overtime to support production schedules and business needs.