Buyer/Planner

Location 1232 Independence Way,Westminster, MD, 21157,United States Employee Type FT Exempt Primary Role The Buyer / Planner is responsible for ensuring the uninterrupted flow of materials, components, and information required to meet customer demand and production objectives. This role combines production planning, inventory management, procurement, and supplier coordination to support operational efficiency and on‑time delivery performance. The Buyer / Planner serves as a critical link between Sales, Production, Engineering, Quality, and Suppliers by balancing customer requirements, production capacity, inventory investment, and supplier performance. Success in this role requires strong analytical skills, proactive problem‑solving, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment. Position Impact The Buyer / Planner directly impacts customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, inventory performance, and company profitability by ensuring the right materials are available at the right time and cost. This position plays a key role in maintaining production continuity, minimizing supply chain disruptions, improving inventory accuracy, and supporting the company's growth objectives. Key Responsibilities Production Planning & Scheduling Develop and maintain production schedules based on customer demand, capacity, inventory levels, and lead times. Review sales forecasts, customer orders, and production requirements to establish manufacturing priorities. Coordinate with manufacturing leadership to optimize production flow and resource utilization. Monitor schedule adherence and adjust plans to accommodate changing customer needs or operational constraints. Identify and proactively address material shortages, bottlenecks, and capacity challenges. Support continuous improvement initiatives related to planning and scheduling processes. Purchasing & Procurement Source and procure raw materials, components, consumables, and services necessary to support production. Generate and manage purchase orders within the ERP/MRP system. Monitor supplier performance related to quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost. Expedite critical materials when necessary to support production schedules. Negotiate pricing, lead times, and supplier agreements as appropriate. Maintain strong supplier relationships while holding vendors accountable for performance expectations. Inventory Management Manage inventory levels to support production while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory. Establish and maintain reorder points, safety stock levels, and planning parameters. Analyze inventory usage trends and demand patterns. Participate in cycle count programs and inventory accuracy initiatives. Investigate inventory discrepancies and implement corrective actions. Develop recommendations to improve inventory turns and working capital performance. Supplier & Cross‑Functional Collaboration Serve as the primary point of contact between suppliers and internal stakeholders. Collaborate with Engineering on new product introductions and material requirements. Partner with Quality to resolve supplier quality concerns. Communicate material availability risks and recovery plans to operational leadership. Support supplier development initiatives and strategic sourcing efforts. Data Management & Reporting Maintain accurate item master, purchasing, supplier, and planning data within ERP/MRP systems. Track and report key supply chain performance metrics. Analyze trends and identify opportunities for cost savings and operational improvements. Prepare reports and recommendations for leadership review. Required Qualifications Education Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Manufacturing, or related field preferred. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Experience Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in purchasing, planning, scheduling, inventory management, or supply chain operations. Manufacturing environment experience required. Experience utilizing ERP/MRP systems for production planning and purchasing activities. Proven experience working with suppliers and managing material requirements. Preferred Certifications APICS CPIM (Certified in Planning and Inventory Management) APICS CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement certification Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Production planning and scheduling Procurement and supplier management Inventory control and forecasting Microsoft Excel and data analysis Supply chain performance measurement Demand planning and material requirements planning Analytical thinking and problem solving Strong organizational skills Attention to detail and accuracy Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously Effective communication and relationship building Sound decision‑making ability Sense of urgency and accountability Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) On‑Time Delivery Performance Schedule Adherence Inventory Turns Inventory Accuracy Material Availability Supplier Quality Performance Purchase Price Variance (PPV) Excess & Obsolete Inventory Levels Stockout Frequency Working Capital Performance Physical Requirements Ability to sit, stand, and walk throughout office and manufacturing environments. Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Ability to work in both office and shop floor settings. #J-18808-Ljbffr Kids for the Future