POSITION SUMMARY The Buyer Planner, Manufacturing is responsible for optimizing supply chain processes. You will drive timely procurement of materials and inventory / cost management that aligns with our strategic business goals. Drive operational excellence through supplier on-time delivery, forecasting, evaluation, and negotiation. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES • Track commodity trends, negotiate prices, quotes, and contracts on behalf of the company. • Identify potential suppliers for further negotiation. Take into consideration aspects such as product quality, sustainability, local sourcing, and payment terms. • Analyze supply and demand imbalances and implement corrective action plans • Conduct regular reviews of suppliers' performance. • Manage lead-times, safety stocks, MOQ, and system parameters. • Performs inventory management functions as required to ensure adequate stock is available. • Evaluate the facility inventory levels for all maintenance, repair, and operational (MRO) stocking used in both the facility and general manufacturing process. • Drive cost downs and continuous improvement projects to meet company objectives. • Execute purchase orders for stocking, resupply, and replenishment. • Collaborate with Accounts Payable to ensure invoices are submitted for processing. • Perform operational functions such as receiving and cycle counting as required by need of the business. • Additional responsibilities and projects may be assigned relevant to the position. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES • Bachelor's degree in supply chain management or related field, preferred but not required. • 3+ years of related experience in purchasing, buying, and /planning. • SAP experience is preferred. EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES • Basic experience or exposure to an established ERP system, SAP experience is preferred. • Ability to assist with supplier coordination including order follow-up, documentation and communication. • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook. • Strong organizational, time-management, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills. • Effective communicator able to work cross-functional teams and interact with various levels of the organization. • Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain accuracy, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. • Demonstrate strong work ethic and flexibility to support extended hours when required to meet business needs. • Exceptional negotiation skills with a proven track record of successful supplier relationship management. • Adaptability and willingness to embrace change in a dynamic business environment. • Demonstrated ability to analyze data and develop actionable insights to improve purchasing strategies. • Demonstrated ability to adapt to evolving systems and processes while proactively taking on new responsibilities and driving continuous improvement. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly required to: • Sit for long periods; • Use hands to handle or feel and talk or hear. The team member is frequently required to: • Reach with hands and arms. The team member is occasionally required to: • Stand; • Walk and stoop, kneel or crouch. The team member may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include: • Close vision; • Distance vision; • Color vision; • Peripheral vision; • Depth perception; • Ability to adjust focus. Substantial time is spent working on a computer and performed primarily in an office setting. Working extended and flexible hours may be requested occasionally.