Buyer/Planner

About the Role

Avantor is seeking a Buyer/Planner to manage all aspects of production planning, including the development of detailed production schedules, campaign schedules, and material requirements planning. This full-time position is based onsite at our Phillipsburg, NJ location.

Responsibilities

• Supports breaking the master production schedule down into finite production asset plans for 1 to 4 week frozen planning horizon as well as 4-8 week fluid planning horizon.
• Coordinates preparation for production schedules and material orders; communicates production plans effectively across the organization.
• Works closely with other planners in related areas or plants to coordinate purchases to cover overall demand.
• Monitors and adjusts schedules to respond to market/production requirements and optimizes costs.
• Reviews forecast and master data to close supply gaps before they impact customers.
• Analyzes and evaluates inventory and delivery problems; recommends solutions as appropriate.
• Communicates with manufacturing, customer service, quality, marketing, and distribution departments regarding product availability and delivery schedules.
• Demonstrates and maintains effective cost reduction strategies.
• Maintains production metrics.
• Issues SAP process orders and controls report backs from operations teams.
• Responsible for alignment of production assets and resources for weekly production schedule.
• Reports production rates, asset uptime, and asset utilization on a regular basis.
• Serves as a backup for other Planners/Schedulers across North American facilities as needed.
• Develops and implements programs to create, validate, and maintain system data necessary to fully utilize the MRP capabilities of SAP.
• Improves the responsiveness of the operation through managing lead times and collaborating with stakeholders to improve the supply chain.
• Establishes and deploys best practices to ensure customer and business expectations are met for all Make to Stock, Make to Order, and Package to Order product strategies.
• Manages purchasing activities, including:
  • Places purchase orders with vendors based upon sales orders and established inventory settings.
  • Reconciles invoices as required.
  • Minimizes inventory to reduce working capital while maximizing service level to the customer.
  • Returns to vendor goods not meeting Avantor specifications, received damaged, or otherwise not usable.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• BA/BS required in supply chain management or related field.
• Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years in production planning.
• Understands the financial impact of planning on variances, customer service, and inventory investment.
• APICS/ASCM certification a plus.
• Experience utilizing SAP for planning/material movement preferred.
• Chemical or pharmaceutical experience preferred.
• Experience in a regulated environment such as cGMP, ISO, or FDA is a plus.
• Experience in planning in an asset- or raw material-constrained environment desired.

Skills

• Excellent with multi-tasking, follow-up, and execution of assignments.
• Excellent computer skills: Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Strong analytical and interpersonal skills with ability to effectively work in a team environment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of MRP systems.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively plan and manage multiple SKUs.
• Excellent problem solving, time management, and prioritization skills.
• Ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent listening, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong sense of urgency, initiative, detail-oriented, and solution-focused.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Wellness programs, health savings, and flexible spending accounts.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Employee stock purchase program.
• 11 paid holidays.
• 18 PTO days annually.
• Volunteer time off.
• 6 weeks of 100% paid parental leave (except in states that offer paid family leave).

Pay

The expected pre-tax pay for this position is $62,500.00 - $100,625.00. Actual pay may differ depending on prior experience and geographic location.