Buyer / Planner

Nature & Scope: Positional Overview We are seeking a detail-oriented Buyer Planner to support a growing manufacturing operation. This role is responsible for managing procurement and planning functions to ensure timely delivery, cost savings, and alignment of supply with demand. The Buyer Planner will collaborate with vendors, distributors, and internal teams to optimize inventory, negotiate costs, and maintain compliance with quality standards and customer requirements. This is a high-priority, growth-driven position offering competitive pay, above-average benefits, and the opportunity to advance into a Buyer/Planner Manager role. Role & Responsibility: Tasks That Will Lead To Your Success Implement procurement strategy and policies to support production needs. Review Bill of Material (BOM) preparation for ERP system with engineering team. Review new material requirements for lead times, manufacturing needs, and compliance. Manage procurement and planning functions for manufacturing operations. Negotiate with vendors to ensure cost savings and on-time delivery. Review and respond to system material changes and demand to optimize inventory management. Manage vendor relationships through regular meetings and quarterly reviews. Handle vendor RMAs for discrepancies and non-conformities. Partner with distributors/customers to align supply with demand. Support cost control, cost savings initiatives, and material compliance (custom parts, conflict minerals, counterfeits). Reconcile purchase orders with Accounts Payable to resolve order issues. Skills & Experience Qualifications That Will Help You Thrive 4-5 years of experience in procurement, buying, and planning. Associate degree or higher (preferred). Experience in manufacturing with vendor management background. Strong negotiation skills with proven ability to achieve cost savings. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word. Knowledge of ISO standards. Effective communication, organizational, and leadership skills. Strong customer-service mindset with ability to work independently. Nice-to-Haves Experience with material planning and cost control. Familiarity with compliance requirements and quality standards. $25-28/hour DOE (not open to overpaying beyond manager-level range). Eligible after 60 days: 80% employer-covered health insurance, PTO accrual, and 401k eligibility. Annual bonus potential (not guaranteed). Internal training program, onboarding, and role-specific development. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Imagine Group, An Imagine Company