Buyer/Planner

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage production schedules to meet customer delivery requirements.
• Create, release, and update work orders from order receipt through shipment.
• Forecast material requirements and ensure timely availability of raw materials.
• Procure materials, equipment, and services at optimal cost, quality, and delivery.
• Build and manage purchase orders using ERP systems, Kanban, and inventory strategies.
• Maintain inventory levels and optimize stock (raw, WIP, finished goods) to balance cost and availability.
• Evaluate, select, and manage supplier performance, including negotiations and cost reductions.
• Expedite orders and resolve supply, quality, or delivery issues with vendors.
• Collaborate with sales, operations, engineering, and quality teams to support production and new product initiatives.
• Track and report key metrics (on-time delivery, inventory turns, supplier performance) and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Effective communication and negotiation abilities
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office (Excel required)
• Ability to read and interpret technical instructions and production requirements
• Mechanical aptitude and attention to detail preferred
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles or certification (e.g., Six Sigma, APICS) preferred

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field required
• Minimum 5 years of experience in production planning and/or purchasing in a manufacturing environment (make-to-order preferred)
• Experience with ERP systems and production/material planning tools required (Navision preferred)

Physical Demands

• This position requires walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, sitting, feeling, seeing, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Ability to work around and on industrial equipment.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment (e.g., forklift)
• Ability to work from heights.
• Ability to ascend and descend steep stairs and platforms.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on an infrequent basis.
• Must be willing to work around dust, and other substances.
• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including but not limited to: hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, steel-toed boots, and hearing protection.

Work Environment

• Required to work in a normal office environment with significant time spent in the production area.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• The production area is not climate controlled.