Buyer / Planner

Position Purpose

The Buyer Planner is responsible for purchasing raw materials while developing and optimizing liquid batching production plans to support finished goods packaging activities. This role has a strong focus on communication, collaboration, data analytics, leveraging the ERP system, planning tools, and advanced analysis to drive informed decision-making across manufacturing operations and ensure on-time material availability.

Essential Functions And Basic Duties

• Develop and maintain short-term liquid batching production plans aligned with packaging plans, capacity constraints, daily production targets, and inventory targets.
• Analyze production capacity, labor, and material availability to identify risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Purchase raw materials to support production schedules, ensuring optimal inventory levels while minimizing cost and supply chain risk.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Procurement, and Quality teams to adjust plans based on operational realities.

Data Analytics & Reporting

• Analyze large datasets related to demand, production output, inventory levels, and shipment performance.
• Develop dashboards and KPIs to monitor plan adherence, service levels, capacity utilization, and inventory health.
• Identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities through data-driven analysis.
• Support scenario modeling and “what-if” analysis for changes in demand, capacity, or network strategy.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Utilize ERP and planning systems to support planning activities.
• Serve as a functional partner in ERP enhancements, planning tool upgrades, or system integrations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as a liaison between Sales, Customer Service, Manufacturing, Logistics, and Finance.
• Communicate plan changes, risks, and assumptions clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Support S&OP / IBP processes with accurate data, analysis, and recommendations.

Qualifications

• Educational Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Analytics, or related field. (Equivalent experience may be considered.)
• Preferred Knowledge: Strong analytical skills, ideally with advanced Excel proficiency (e.g., pivot tables, Power Query, formulas). Experience with ERP and planning systems (e.g., D365, SAP, Oracle). Familiarity with manufacturing. Proficiency or exposure to BI tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau). Understanding of S&OP, MRP, or Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS) processes. Experience Required: 2 - 5 years of experience in production planning, supply chain planning, or logistics.

Skills/Abilities

• Ability to interpret complex data and present clear, actionable insights.
• Data-driven decision making.
• Intellectual curiosity and continuous improvement mindset.
• Strong attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Performance Measurements

• Schedule adherence / planned vs actual output.
• Cost control & waste reduction.
• Customer service level.
• Capacity and resource utilization.
• Obsolescence and scrap.
• Process improvement initiatives.

Benefits

• Medical & prescription drug coverage.
• Dental / Vision plan.
• 401(k) savings plan with company match.
• Basic and supplemental life insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
• Short- and long-term disability benefits.
• Health Advocacy Program / Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Many other voluntary benefit plans and perks such as: Legal assistance, critical illness, hospital indemnity and accident coverage, discounted home/auto/rental insurance, employee discounts and pet insurance, tuition assistance, referral bonus program, paid parental leave, a health club rebate program and more.