Buyer / Planner

Advantage Components, Inc. Buyer / Planner

Are you a supply chain professional who thrives on complexity, loves working close to the factory floor, and can navigate a cross-border operation without missing a beat? Advantage Components is looking for an experienced Buyer/Planner to take full ownership of our purchasing and production planning function across our US and Mexico facilities.

Advantage Components, Inc. is a precision wire harness manufacturer with production facilities in Joliet, IL and Fresnillo, Zacatecas, Mexico. With 160 employees and deep expertise in electro-mechanical assemblies, we serve OEM customers across industrial and related markets. Our Mexico facility accounts for a growing share of our production volume, making cross-border collaboration central to everything we do.

The Opportunity

This is a high-impact, hands-on role at the intersection of purchasing, planning, and operations. You will own the end-to-end supply chain for both plants — building supplier relationships, driving on-time delivery, managing USMCA compliance, and leading a small team of two Junior Buyers. The previous Buyer/Planner built this function over nine years; we are looking for someone ready to step in, strengthen what works, and take it to the next level.

What You’ll Do

• Run production planning for both Joliet and Fresnillo using lean/pull-based techniques — shop orders, Kanbans, demand forecasting, and schedule management.

• Own all purchasing activity: raw materials, components, and supplies. Consolidate orders, manage freight costs, and ensure 95%+ fill rates.

• Manage the cross-border material plan and USMCA compliance for all US-Mexico shipments.

• Partner daily with Sales, Customer Service, Engineering, and Plant Operations to lock in delivery commitments and resolve supply issues fast.

• Maintain item master integrity: BOM accuracy, cost fields, lead times, and planning parameters.

• Drive inventory turns improvement through Kanban optimization and safety-stock rightsizing.

• Supervise and develop two Junior Buyers — assign work, coach for growth, and build a high-performing team.

What We’re Looking For

You’ll need

• 5+ years of purchasing and/or production planning in a manufacturing environment.

• Real-world experience in a lean organization — Kanban, continuous improvement, pull scheduling.

• Working knowledge of USMCA/NAFTA compliance and US-Mexico cross-border logistics.

• ERP/MRP proficiency and strong Excel skills.

• A bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or equivalent experience.

• Clear, confident communication skills and the ability to collaborate across departments and cultures.

Big plus if you have

• Experience in wire harness, cable assembly, or electro-mechanical manufacturing.

• Bilingual English/Spanish — our Fresnillo team will love you for it.

• APICS CPIM or CSCP certification.

What Success Looks Like

• On-Time Customer Delivery: ≥ 95%
• PO Fill Rate: ≥ 95%
• USMCA Compliance: 100%
• Inventory Turns: Improving year over year
• BOM / Item Master Accuracy: ≥ 99%

The Details

• Location: Joliet, IL (on-site with periodic travel to Fresnillo, MX — approximately 10–15%)
• Reports To: Vice President / General Manager
• Direct Reports: 2 Junior Buyers
• Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday
• Travel: Valid passport required; occasional Mexico site visits

Why Join Advantage Components?

• Real ownership: you run the function, not just execute tasks.

• Variety: no two weeks look the same across two countries, two plants, and a diverse customer base.

• Stability with growth: a 130-person company with a tight-knit culture and room to make your mark.

• Leadership: manage and develop your own small team from day one.

Ready to take ownership of a high-impact supply chain role?

Send your resume and a brief note on your relevant experience to ***email_hidden***

Advantage Components, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.