Senior Material Buyer & Planner for an Industry Leading Lighting Manufacturer

Job Description

Job Description

Our client is a top-tier lighting manufacturer known for designing and producing premium modular downlighting systems that deliver exceptional performance, adaptability, and aesthetic appeal. Their reputation is built on a foundation of superior design, engineering innovation, and dedicated customer service. They are seeking a Senior Material Buyer/Planner to join their team and take ownership of evaluating inventory positions, maintaining accurate forecasts, and procuring the materials and components needed to support monthly production and sales objectives. This role also provides guidance, training, and mentorship to other buyers and planners, exercising sound independent judgment on complex sourcing and planning decisions.

This is a full-time, on-site position based in Carson, requiring attendance in the office five days per week.

Responsibilities :
- Manage a high volume of buying and planning activity within a dynamic and high-performance team
- Create, release, and manage purchase orders while coordinating material needs to maintain a steady flow of approved components that meet production and sales schedules
- Work closely with suppliers on forecast updates, engineering changes, schedule adjustments, material discrepancies, and delivery expectations, assisting with negotiation as needed
- Solicit and review supplier quotations, evaluate bids, and recommend award decisions
- Monitor inventory levels and maintain purchasing forecasts across all product categories to meet defined service targets
- Ensure the accuracy and integrity of ERP data, particularly within fields related to material planning and supply requirements
- Review MRP-generated plans and execute supply strategies for all material components
- Partner with other Buyers and Finance team to identify slow-moving inventory and track inventory turnover performance
- Contribute to demand planning within the S&OP process and participate in forecast alignment discussions to ensure accuracy across teams
- Collaborate with cross-functional partners to manage product transitions and support full product lifecycle activities
- Investigate and resolve issues related to backorders, fill rates, and delivery performance; conduct root-cause analyses for stockouts, delays, and non-conforming materials to drive long-term corrective actions
- Lead cost-reduction and productivity programs, including alternate sourcing strategies, supplier consolidation, and global sourcing initiatives
- Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to other Buyers and Planners, and direct or review their work on complex sourcing and planning activities
- Complete special projects and other tasks as assigned by Purchasing leadership and the Operations team

Qualifications :
- 5-7 years of experience in supply/demand planning, forecasting, inventory management, or broader supply chain operations, including familiarity with ERP planning systems
- Bachelor's degree, required; Master's degree a plus; APICS certifications (CPIM, CSCP, or CFPIM) are a plus
- Strong analytical, strategic, and organizational abilities; detail-oriented, proactive, and capable of working independently under general direction with minimal oversight
- Proficiency with ERP systems, Demand Solutions, and related planning tools (Oracle experience preferred)
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
- Highly skilled in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- Ability to complete assignments within required timelines set by Purchasing and Supply Chain leadership
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across all organizational levels
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, wearing many hats, and juggling multiple priorities simultaneously
- Proven track record delivering key operational metrics and leading process-improvement initiatives, with demonstrated experience mentoring, training, or informally leading other buyers and planners

Compensation : Targeting a base salary of $85-95k