Buyer/Planner

Buyer-Planner

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented individual to join our team as a Buyer-Planner, reporting to the Planning Manager. As a Buyer-Planner, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the efficient and timely delivery of raw materials and production of our goods, focusing on the flexible packaging used in our finished goods. You will collaborate with various departments, including manufacturing, quality, sales, sourcing, product and distribution to develop and execute plans that meet customer demand while optimizing resources and minimizing costs.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain delivery and supply plans for our flexible packaging materials based on customer demand, sales forecasts, and inventory levels. Coordinate with planning, sourcing, inventory control, quality and operations teams to ensure accurate and up-to-date supply information.
• Review, issue and process purchase orders, ensuring accuracy and feasibility while identifying the most cost-effective option.
• Collaborate with Production Scheduling to align material supply with production demands. Monitor for potential shortages or supply disruptions and escalate issues promptly to ensure uninterrupted production.
• Own purchase order management in our ERP System, ensuring delivery dates, delivery quantities, and other relevant information is updated accurately & promptly in the system.
• Collaborate with the Sourcing team to review and align on key initiatives, including annual budgets, supplier selection and contract management, cost reduction initiatives, and new product development projects.
• Evaluate supplier and production capacity and capabilities to determine the feasibility of meeting demand. Identify potential bottlenecks and constraints and propose solutions to optimize production efficiency.
• Partner with Product team to develop timelines and execute packaging and CoMan transitions to minimize disruption and cost impact.
• Coordinate with suppliers to ensure adherence to the delivery schedules, quality requirements and pricing. Develop, monitor and track progress to improve KPIs, identify any deviations or delays, and take and/or issue appropriate corrective actions.
• Coordinate efforts with Product and Engineering Teams to schedule trials and ensure that quality protocols are followed in accordance with the bag specifications.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and cost savings within the procurement function. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement changes and enhance overall efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry regulations and quality standards throughout the production planning process. Collaborate with quality control and regulatory teams to address any issues or concerns.
• Set up quality and service scorecards and conduct regular reviews with suppliers.

Requirements

What you Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in operations management, supply chain management, finance, information systems, or a related field. Relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of 3 years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience working directly with suppliers and managing packaging supplies, especially flexible packaging, is strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of procurement processes and multi-site inventory management.
• Ability to read and interpret technical packaging specifications preferred.
• Experienced with using a major ERP system in a Purchasing Role (i.e. Microsoft D365, SAP, etc).
• Proficient in using Microsoft Excel to analyze and transform data.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with a solid track record of developing positive internal and external relationships.
• Highly detail oriented with strong statistical, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Project Management experience preferred
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work in a fast-paced environment
• Proven self-starter with a track record for identifying challenges, developing solutions, and optimizing processes with minimal supervision

Requirement:

• Must be able to work a flexible work schedule including occasional weekend time if needed
• Occasional warehouse or vendor visits may be required

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any other status protected by law.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the person occupying this position. You may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested by Management.