Buyer/Planner

About the role

Responsible for identifying and procuring goods and services at a fair and reasonable price to ensure business continuity for the production lines and manage optimal inventory levels. Solicit quotes, issue annual contracts based on forecast, review requisitions and release POs for the entire life cycle of the Products. Coordinate logistics and ensure JIT delivery.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate effectively with Suppliers to avoid Purchase Price Variance (PPV) and partner with Sourcing when a potential PPV is greater than $5k
• Keep the Production Lines running using Kanban Program
• Work with stakeholders and peers (Sourcing, Quality, Material Coordinators, Planning, Transportation, Engineers, Finance) to ensure requests are fulfilled
• Improve supplier relationships and performance (service, on-time delivery, quality, reconciliation of invoices, POs and documentation)
• Lead and participate in continuous improvement/Kaizen events to improve Purchasing productivity and reduce pain points

Qualifications

• 5 years of relevant experience
• Bachelor's degree required
• MBA preferred
• Six Sigma or Lean certification preferred
• APICS, CPIM certification preferred

Required skills

• Work effectively with all types of personalities and provide excellent customer service to Suppliers and Stakeholders
• Understanding of the Supply Chain, and ability to use critical thinking and decision-making skills to optimize the flow of materials and know when to ship by air, rail, sea or ground transportation
• Comprehension of part and change order specification requirements
• Follow a set of procedures and processes (ability to follow standard work instructions and flex with the business changes)
• Experience working with and communicating effectively with Suppliers and Stakeholders
• Understanding of accounting principles and practices to best manage inventory, open POs, prevent PPV, reconciliation issues, and scrap, and pay Suppliers accurately and on-time
• Excellent communication skills (listening, presentation, interpersonal, written) with leaders, managers, stakeholders, peers and suppliers
• MRP and SAP experience to plan and place POs to support the Production lines
• MS Office (Excel required)
• Ability to work on computers, facilitate conference and phone calls
• Project Management experience

Attributes required

• Understanding of Kaizens: Six Sigma and Lean, Kanban and end-to-end Supply Chain
• Work with the utmost integrity and build positive relationships
• Ability to lead and take initiative
• Ability to work independently and also as a team player
• Attention to detail and organizational skills
• Dependable, accountable and responsible
• Have a sense of urgency and take initiative
• Continuous improvement and problem-solving know-how

Nice to have

• Ultriva experience
• SharePoint experience
• Skype experience