JOB DESCRIPTION
Works with BU partners at Work Order creation and coordinates material/service procurement & fulfillment activities.Ensures material/service planning and fulfillment requirements are met through SC and BU processes.Understands flow of demand to inventory, master agreements, and other purchase transactions. Executes POs accurately and in a timely manner. Develops/implements procurement strategies to achieve cost, schedule and quality goals.Achieves inventory management, scheduling coordination, supplier management, and process improvement objectives.Appraises, market, sells, and disposes of surplus assets. Leads customer material gathering, asset sale, and disposal requirements issue resolution, disputes and performance issues.
Minimum requirements
Material forecasting and project planning knowledge Basic contract knowledge, negotiation and project management skills.
Bachelor's degree in SC Management, Engineering, Project Management, Business, Finance or equivalent experience
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP systems
Preferred
Experience working with SAP ECC
Supply Chain certification
Requisition Intake Questions
Job Title: Planner Buyer Agent
VNDY Requisition #: 1513
Job Details and Requirements Section
1. Explain what the scope of the work/project is? Project Overview, deliverables (what is this person responsible for).
Supporting project deliverables for a business unit by partnering with a planner/buyer. Responsibilities include cutting purchase orders (POs), heavy quoting, vendor communication, PO maintenance, reporting, reconciliation, blocked invoices, goods receipts, and coordination with AP and receiving. Work is performed primarily in SAP with strong reliance on Excel, SharePoint, and Power BI.
Over 4–6 months:
· ~1,000 purchase orders
· 30–50 vendors
· 5,000–6,000 PO lines
· Estimated $40M–$50M in PO value
· High-volume purchasing experience preferred
2. What does a typical day look like?
· Working in SAP to cut POs from backlog
· Heavy email and cross-functional communication
· Working with vendors on quotes
· Support and reconciliation activities
· Resolving blocked invoices and goods receipts
· Coordinating with AP and receiving
Day-to-day activities may vary based on business needs.
3. Describe work environment / team culture (supportive/collaborative, teamwork or individual contributor)?
Combination of individual contributor and collaborative team environment.
Heavy teamwork influence with significant email communication and coordination across multiple cross-functional teams.
4. Can you elaborate on any potential risks or safety considerations associated with this role, particularly if the responsibilities extend beyond a standard desk or office environment?
None
5. What are the work hours/shift (standard, evening, full time/part time, OT required, on-call for 24/7 operation)?
· 40 hours per week
· Typical schedule: 7:00 AM–3:30 PM or 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
· Some flexibility around start and end times to align with team
Candidate Detail Section
1. What are the top 3-5 skills and qualifications (technology/application/software, etc.) required?
· Strong communication skills
· Excel skills (VLOOKUP preferred)
· Quoting and negotiation
· ERP system experience (SAP preferred, others acceptable)
2. What non-technical skills are necessary (i.e., such as communication, problem solving, team player)?
· Strong communication
· Ability to prioritize work
· Time management
· Collaboration with cross-functional teams
3. Ideal candidate background and how many years required?
· 3+ years of purchasing experience
· Planner Buyer, Buyer I/II, or Replenishment Buyer background preferred
4. Are there any specific companies/industry you like to see on a candidate's resume?
Industrial purchasing preferred, including:
· Energy supply
· Engineering-driven environments
· Production or project-based purchasing
Industries are not translated well - Retail purchasing (e.g., grocery or consumer retail buying).
5. Are there any certifications that the candidate must possess?
None required.
Nice-to-have: Lean, Six Sigma, Greenbelt, or procurement-related certifications.
6. Are there any preferred or "nice to have" skills?
· SAP experience
· Industrial or project-based purchasing
· Experience working with engineering and project management teams
Administrative Section
1. What is the location of the contract assignment (Full time onsite, hybrid – percent of time on site/home or, are you open to fully remote)? If the resource is expected to be onsite, can you confirm if the resource can park on Xcel property/in the ramp?
Hybrid:
· 2 days onsite at MDC
· Wednesday mandatory
· Second onsite day is Tuesday or Thursday (flexible)
· No fieldwork required