Buyer/Planner

Job Description Manage suppliers for indirect materials and services, including but not limited to CapEx, MRO, R&D, sample parts and services, establishing & maintaining quality, service, and cost benchmarks. Work directly with engineers and project management to support ongoing research and development efforts with purchasing of samples, materials, and outside services. Support the new supplier and parts approval processes by issuing orders for investment tooling and production samples, and coordinating payment approvals with the appropriate sourcing, quality assurance, and project leads. Issue purchase orders and track deliveries for material and services required for engineering lab, manufacturing facilities and office operations. Manage outside supplier operations and sub‑contractors. The effective issuance of shop orders, purchase orders and component planning to meet customer demand. Responsibilities Proactively resolve problems and discrepancies with quality, delivery, quantity and invoicing of purchases. Own the tactical day‑to‑day supplier relationship. Analyze requisitions and specifications to determine required quantities and delivery dates, communicating technical and logistical requirements to vendors. Identify and implement continuous improvements within category responsibilities and work processes. Support global and regional procurement initiatives and lead site‑level initiatives for supplier management, supplier quality, and supplier performance improvement. Identify and manage cost reduction and avoidance efforts within assignments. Manage the purchasing card (p-card): consolidate purchases to fewer suppliers, maintain transaction logs, and reconcile statements to ensure internal control. Prepare RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs, analyze and evaluate multi‑supplier responses, and prepare award recommendations incorporating Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal customers and key vendors. Participate in special projects and initiatives as appropriate. Proficiency in expediting suppliers and logistics and familiarity with impact order management; escalates when necessary. Perform other duties as assigned by the Purchasing Supervisor. Requirements Bachelor’s degree in a technical or business discipline. Minimum of 3 years of experience in Purchasing, Planning, Sourcing, or related Supply Chain fields. Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of products, especially Excel. Comfortable interacting with suppliers, including situations that may require assertiveness. Excellent oral and written communication skills – clearly articulate position with clarity at all levels of the organization. Ability to work with key stakeholders in multiple global locations and at various levels; lead cross-functional teams toward a common goal. Strong analytical problem-solving abilities through the use of contemporary tools and methods. Willingness to make infrequent overnight travel as needed. Preferred Familiarity with industrial drawings and schematics. Production planning experience. Understanding of Kanban replenishment. Victaulic is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EOE/M/F/Vets/Disabled) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, gender, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic data, or other legally protected status. (Background checks may be required as part of our pre-employment process). #J-18808-Ljbffr