Buyer / Planner

Ensuring timely fulfillment of production and customer needs while optimizing the planning/procurement strategies to maximize resources and reduce costs. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Planning Optimization Executing and optimizing production planning, including the procurement of raw materials to maximize resource utilization and meet customer expectations. They must continuously analyze key information such as resource availability, process routings, equipment capacities, efficiencies, and scrap rates to adjust and improve existing plans. The Buyer/Planner is responsible for executing and optimizing the purchase of raw materials and components as listed in the Bill of Materials (BOM) for each production part number. The role requires continuous assessment of supplier performance, negotiating terms, and managing relationships to ensure a consistent supply of necessary materials without disruptions. Crucially, they must analyze potential risks associated with suppliers, such as trends in the materials market, supplier availability and capacity, and performance. Strategies must be implemented effectively to mitigate these risks. Inventory Management Optimize inventory levels of raw materials, components, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods to minimize stockouts and overstock situations, balancing operational needs with cost control while adhering to the concept FIFO “First-In, First-Out”. Establish and maintain strong relationships with material and component suppliers to ensure consistent quality, cost effectiveness and OTD.Address any challenges promptly to avoid disruptions. Ownership of AVNA’s ASL for material and component suppliers including the qualifications of new suppliers and ongoing performance monitoring of existing suppliers. Performance Monitoring Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) related to planning and procurement, providing insights for continuous improvement. Communication Ensure constant, clear, and precise communication with sales, production, warehouse, logistics, and finance departments to align inventory and production needs with customers. Define capacity/availability and communicate to customer upon request. Additionally, communicate prioritization to address any timely challenges that may risk meeting customer expectations. Process Improvement Continuously seek opportunities to improve the planning and procurement processes, through data-driven approaches, leveraging technology and best practices. Cost Reduction Quantify the cost reduction generated by improvements in supplier management, optimization in production planning, inventory management and other process improvement initiatives. Documentation Creating, updating, distributing or training to, documents related to the position/function, such as, but not limited to, procedures, instructions, flow charts, reports or metrics as assigned by the employee or management. QUALIFICATION REQUERIMENTS Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in supply chain management, specifically in planning and procurement roles within a manufacturing or similar industry setting Demonstrated ability to effectively manage inventory and optimize production schedules Proficiency in ERP and MRP systems, preferably with hands‑on experience with systems such as PLEX or similar Strong analytical skills with the ability to analyze data and make informed decisions based on findings Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with all levels of the organization and external partners Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to manage complexities and uncertainties In‑depth knowledge of supply chain processes, including planning, procurement, inventory management, and supplier management Excellent organizational and time‑management skills to handle multiple priorities simultaneously Detail‑oriented with a strategic mindset to anticipate potential challenges and develop proactive solutions High level of integrity and reliability ROLE PERFORMANCE METRICS On Time Delivery Age Inventory per range of dates (0-30 / 31-60 / 61-90 / 91-180 / +181) Inventory Optimization (Valuation for WIP, Raw Material and Components) Inventory Value Revenue PPV DEVELOPMENT PLAN Supply Chain Procurement Certificate Supply Chain Planning Certificate Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) #J-18808-Ljbffr