Buyer/Planner

Buyer/Planner

We are seeking a Buyer/Planner to join our fast-paced manufacturing team. This role is responsible for executing day-to-day purchasing activities, managing material shortages, and driving continuous improvement in supply chain processes. The ideal candidate will bring intermediate data analysis skills, ERP experience, and a passion for problem-solving in a Lean manufacturing environment. In this role, you will support a diverse range of materials and suppliers in a high mixlow volume business model.

Key Responsibilities

Purchasing Execution

• Negotiate, create, and manage blanket and purchase orders per MRP/Kanban needs.
• Ensure timely delivery of materials to meet Kanban levels and production schedules.
• Communicate with suppliers to confirm orders, expedite shipments, and resolve delivery issues.
• Utilize Dynamic Kanban strategies within ERP or planning systems to support pull-based replenishment, reduce inventory, and respond to changing demand signals.

Shortage Management

• Monitor material availability and proactively address shortages.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, and Logistics teams to prioritize and resolve critical part issues.
• Escalate supplier-related delays or constraints to Tier 2 and Tier 3 discussions.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key and problem suppliers to improve delivery performance, responsiveness, and communication.
• Foster a "help them help us" mindset by working collaboratively with suppliers to understand their constraints and support improvement efforts.
• Work closely with the Sourcing team to align on supplier strategies, escalate chronic issues, and support supplier development initiatives.
• Participate in supplier performance reviews and contribute to corrective action planning when needed.

Kanban Management

• Maintain Kanban cards with accurate information on supplier lead time, primary supplier, and average daily usage.
• Adjust Kanban sizes based on demand changes and manage spikes for unexpected requirements.
• Monitor inventory levels and ensure Kanban signals are processed promptly to avoid shortages.
• Support implementation of Dynamic Kanban strategies within ERP for improved material flow.
• Develop visual management tools to track Kanban performance and drive continuous improvement.

Inventory Accuracy

• Review cycle count reports, perform recounts, reconcile discrepancies, and approve counts.
• Investigate root causes for inaccurate inventory and implement corrective actions.
• Add new parts to the cycle count program as required.

Continuous Improvement & Lean Practices

• Lead or participate in Kaizen events and cross-functional improvement initiatives.
• Identify and eliminate waste in purchasing processes using Lean tools and standard work.
• Develop visual management tools and process documentation.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or Engineering.
• Minimum of 23 years of experience in a purchasing role within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong Excel skills and basic data analysis capability.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., JDE, Oracle, SAP).
• Excellent communication, follow-up, and organizational skills.
• Analytical thinker with strong problem-solving and multitasking ability.
• APICS/CPIM or similar supply chain certification is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience purchasing materials in a high mixlow volume manufacturing environment.
• Basic understanding of Power BI and data analysis.
• Prior Lean manufacturing experience.

Job Identification 8666

Job Category Supply Chain & Logistics Multifamily

Locations 2100 W Broad St, Elizabethtown, NC, 28337, US (On-site)