Buyer / Material Planner

PLZ is committed to product stewardship and innovation, strong ethical standards, sustainable operations, and the development of our people. Whether at manufacturing facilities or corporate headquarters, PLZ prioritizes health and safety, and offers support to create the career you want through engagement, equity, inclusion, and opportunity. From household cleaning solutions to personal care products, and food to automotive lubricants, PLZ produces over 2,500 aerosol and liquid products across North America.

About the role

The Material Planner / Buyer supports the procurement of materials, supplies, and services to meet production and business requirements. This role manages purchase orders, supplier communication, delivery follow-up, cost control, and cross-functional coordination to ensure materials are available on time, at the right quality, and at the best total value.

Responsibilities

• Review purchase requisitions and convert approved requests into accurate purchase orders in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Source, purchase, and expedite assigned materials, components, supplies, and services to support production schedules, customer commitments, and inventory targets.
• Communicate regularly with suppliers to confirm pricing, lead times, order acknowledgements, delivery dates, and shipment status.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, lead times, and service expectations to support cost savings, continuity of supply, and total cost of ownership objectives.
• Monitor open purchase orders, supplier delivery performance, and material availability; escalate risks and coordinate recovery plans when needed.
• Partner with planning, operations, quality, finance, logistics, and customer service teams to resolve shortages, invoice discrepancies, receiving issues, and supplier quality concerns.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier information, item data, pricing, delivery dates, and documentation within ERP and procurement systems.
• Support supplier performance reviews, cost reduction initiatives, inventory optimization, and continuous improvement projects across the supply chain.
• Ensure compliance with company procurement practices, approval requirements, ethical standards, safety expectations, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, Finance, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 2 years of purchasing, procurement, supply chain, planning, or manufacturing experience preferred.
• Experience working in a manufacturing, distribution, consumer products, chemical, aerosol, or related production environment preferred.
• Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems, purchase order management, inventory planning, supplier follow-up, and basic procurement processes.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, negotiation, communication, and follow-up skills with high attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, respond to changing production needs, and work effectively with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel; experience with SAP or similar ERP systems preferred.
• APICS, CSCP, CPIM, CPSM, or related supply chain/procurement certification preferred but not required.

Pay

The base pay for this position ranges from $60,000/year in our lowest geographic market up to $75,000/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Other forms of compensation, such as bonuses, may be provided as part of a total compensation package.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Company-paid life and short-term disability insurance.
• Voluntary benefits including additional life, disability, and hospital/accident insurance.
• 401k with company match.
• Paid time off.
• Bonus incentive programs (subject to program rules and performance factors).