Buyer Planner

Delaware, OH | Manufacturing & Supply Chain Operations

About the Role

Sky Climber is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented  Buyer Planner to support our manufacturing operations in Delaware, Ohio. This role is responsible for ensuring materials are available to meet production schedules while driving cost competitiveness through strategic sourcing, supplier management, and effective inventory planning.

The ideal candidate combines strong planning and purchasing experience with a solid understanding of manufacturing operations, ERP/MRP systems, supplier negotiations, and material flow. This position plays a critical role in supporting on-time customer deliveries, maintaining inventory accuracy, and improving overall supply chain performance.

What You'll Do

Production Planning & Material Management

• Analyze customer demand, production schedules, Bills of Material (BOMs), and inventory levels to determine material requirements
• Utilize ERP/MRP systems to generate and manage material plans, purchase requirements, and replenishment signals
• Create and release purchase orders to support production schedules and customer delivery commitments
• Maintain appropriate safety stock levels, reorder points, lead times, and planning parameters
• Coordinate with Production, Engineering, Quality, Customer Service, and Operations to prevent material shortages and production disruptions
• Monitor inventory levels and proactively address potential supply issues

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Development

• Source new suppliers and evaluate existing suppliers based on quality, delivery, responsiveness, capacity, and cost competitiveness
• Lead RFQ activities, supplier benchmarking, competitive bidding, and cost analysis initiatives
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships that improve quality, delivery performance, and total cost
• Identify alternate sourcing options to reduce supply risk and improve continuity
• Support supplier consolidation and make-versus-buy evaluations

Negotiation & Cost Reduction

• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, lead times, freight terms, blanket agreements, and supplier contracts
• Drive annual cost reduction initiatives through sourcing strategies and supplier negotiations
• Analyze spend data and purchasing trends to identify savings opportunities and margin improvements
• Challenge supplier price increases through market analysis and competitive bidding
• Develop supplier agreements that improve service levels while reducing overall supply chain costs

ERP & Data Management

• Maintain accurate supplier information, purchasing data, lead times, pricing records, and planning parameters within the ERP system
• Ensure item master and procurement data accuracy to support reliable MRP outputs
• Generate and analyze purchasing, inventory, and supplier performance reports
• Support cycle counting activities, inventory reconciliation, and root cause analysis of inventory variances

Supplier Performance Management

• Monitor supplier delivery performance, quality metrics, responsiveness, and overall effectiveness
• Expedite critical materials as needed to support production schedules and customer commitments
• Partner with Quality teams to resolve supplier-related issues and implement corrective actions
• Develop contingency plans for critical suppliers and high-risk components

Qualifications & Experience

Required Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in purchasing, planning, sourcing, or supply chain management within a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience negotiating supplier pricing, lead times, payment terms, and commercial agreements
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, material requirements planning, BOM structures, and inventory management
• Hands-on experience with ERP/MRP systems such as Epicor, SAP, Infor, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar platforms
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and purchasing/inventory analytics
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations Management, Manufacturing, or a related field
• APICS/ASCM CPIM or CSCP certification
• Experience supporting lean manufacturing or continuous improvement initiatives
• Experience with supplier performance management and strategic sourcing programs

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to work onsite at Sky Climber's Delaware, Ohio facility
• Ability to work effectively in both office and manufacturing environments
• Occasional interaction with production, warehouse, and supplier operations
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a dynamic manufacturing setting

Schedule & Employment Conditions

• Full-time position
• Standard weekday schedule with flexibility as business needs require
• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• Pre-employment drug screening required
• Background check required

About Sky Climber 

Sky Climber is a U.S.-based manufacturer and solutions provider serving the suspended access, fall protection, material handling, and industrial access markets. Headquartered in Delaware, Ohio, Sky Climber designs, engineers, manufactures, and supports equipment used in commercial construction, building maintenance, industrial facilities, infrastructure projects, and specialty access applications.

Our reputation is built on engineering expertise, customer responsiveness, manufacturing excellence, and a commitment to workplace safety. We partner closely with customers to deliver high-quality solutions that help workers perform their jobs safely and efficiently at height.

Sky Climber is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a safe, professional, and inclusive workplace for all employees.