Buyer Planner

Key Accountabilities

• Analyze production requirements and release purchase orders based on certified Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Develop supplier forecasts and manage long-lead material requirements.
• Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, and economic order quantities (EOQ).
• Maintain accurate purchase orders, supplier records, item master data, pricing, lead times, and revision levels.
• Manage inventory levels to support production while minimizing excess inventory.
• Cook up engineering change levels and part supersession activities.
• Schedule supplier performance for on-time delivery, quality, and cost.
• Lead supplier meetings to review demand, delivery status, and corrective actions.
• Work closely with suppliers, engineering, and quality teams to resolve delivery and quality concerns.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities, capacity, manufacturing processes, and risk mitigation plans.
• Support international procurement activities, including HTS classifications, INCOTERMS, and customs compliance.
• Cross-functional coordination with Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Production, Quality, and Supply Chain teams.
• Drive resolution of component delivery, quality, and capacity issues.
• Provide timely status updates and communicate risks to stakeholders.
• Support procurement team activities during peak workload periods.

Qualifications, Experience, And Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of manufacturing and procurement experience, preferably in a machine shop environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including CNC machining, welding, castings, composites, and complex machined components.
• Experience with supplier sourcing, qualification, audits, performance management, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of QAV supplier selection, QCDD principles, PPAP, quality assurance methods, MRP systems, and purchasing best practices.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T requirements.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of raw materials, coatings, plating, logistics, customs regulations, and international purchasing practices, including INCOTERMS.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 and purchasing/ERP systems such as Navision or similar platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and all levels of the organization.
• Excellent communication, organizational, leadership, conflict resolution, and time management skills, with the ability to work independently and drive results.