Buyer Planner

The Buyer/Planner is responsible for managing purchasing activities, production planning, and material cost management to ensure the timely and cost-effective availability of materials required for manufacturing operations. This role collaborates closely with suppliers, manufacturing, engineering, finance, and internal stakeholders to support production schedules while maintaining optimal inventory levels and cost controls.

Key responsibilities include sourcing and purchasing materials, creating and managing purchase orders, monitoring supplier performance, and resolving supply issues. The Buyer/Planner is also responsible for material cost management, maintaining accurate cost data in the ERP system, supporting cost accounting activities, and assisting with cost analysis and reporting. Additional duties include demand and inventory analysis, coordinating delivery schedules, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives in compliance with company policies and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Planning

The primary functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Production Planning
• Develop and maintain production schedules
• Create, release, and manage work orders
• Coordinate schedules with outsourced contractors
• Plan, schedule, and manage kitting activities

Purchasing

• Source and purchase OEM components, machine shop parts, equipment frames, injection-molded components, sheet metal, and raw materials
• Manage supplier relationships and performance
• Create, issue, and manage purchase orders
• Resolve supply, quality, and delivery issues

Cost Management

• Control and manage material costs
• Identify and evaluate alternative suppliers and materials
• Maintain accurate material cost data in the ERP system
• Support cost accounting activities, analysis, and reporting

Systems and Process Support

• Perform demand and inventory analysis
• Coordinate delivery schedules to meet production needs
• Support continuous improvement initiatives
• Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures
• Experience with QAD (MFG/PRO) is a plus

Minimum Requirements

The minimum knowledge, skills, and experience required for this position include:

• Minimum of three (3) years of purchasing experience
• Knowledge of basic manufacturing processes, including milling, turning, molding, materials, and finishes
• Strong supplier management and negotiation skills
• Experience with ERP systems; familiarity with QAD (MFG/PRO) is a plus

Benefits: Health, vision, dental and life insurances, 401K, PTO

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person