Buyer/Planner

About the role

We’re Watts, and we’re reimagining the future of water. We're all part of the same crucial mission, no matter what function we support -- it's to provide safe, clean water for the world, and to protect our planet's most valuable resource. For 150 years, Watts has built best-in-class products that are trusted by customers in residential and commercial settings across the world.

This highly motivated individual, as part of the Purchasing Team, will be responsible for ensuring a steady flow of materials by proactively addressing shortages, optimizing inventory, and coordinating with supply chain and operations, while also taking on higher-level responsibilities requiring independent judgment and analysis. This position reports to the Purchasing Manager and is based in Fort Worth, Texas.

Responsibilities

• Procures and plans all materials, products, and services within assigned categories to ensure manufacturing can produce as planned.
• Maintains appropriate inventory levels, material flow, and 100% material availability.
• Monitors and updates purchase orders to ensure pricing, delivery dates, and quantities are accurate.
• Works closely with Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, Scheduling, Accounting, Receiving, and Sourcing to resolve supplier, delivery, and receipt issues and to develop strong supplier agreements.
• Identifies and manages suppliers who meet quality and commercial requirements while maintaining open communication and strong relationships.
• Communicates and escalates material shortages or concerns to support on-time customer shipments.
• Utilizes ERP systems, spreadsheets, and reporting tools to forecast, track KPIs, and maintain accurate inventory data.
• Supports Kanban systems (if applicable) to improve material release and flow.
• Stays current on site processes, business strategy, new products, and tools.
• Participates in root cause analysis, corrective actions, and other continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assume responsibility for other projects and duties as assigned by Purchasing Manager or Company management.

Travel Requirements: 10% Required

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• 3+ years’ experience in material purchasing within a lean manufacturing environment
• Time management: the ability to organize and manage multiple priorities
• Strong customer service skills and orientation
• Excellent interpersonal, written and communication skills
• Strong team player
• Computer proficiency, excel, word, power point
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing desired
• Ability to communicate in English
• Detail oriented, organized, analytical and self-motivated
• Must be authorized to work in the US without sponsorship now or in the future
• Understanding of and adherence to applicable laws, codes, policies, regulations, and safety practices and procedures, as applicable.

Preferred Qualifications: CPM or APICS membership preferred

Working Conditions

While performing the job duties, you will be working on-site at a manufacturing facility and will perform the majority of your duties in an office environment. You may, at times, be required to be present on the manufacturing floor and will be required to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment.

Physical Requirements: Specific physical abilities required for this position include, but are not limited to: Ability to remain seated at a desk or workstation for extended periods, Ability to perform repetitive tasks like typing on a keyboard or using a mouse for extended periods, Ability to physically move around the office, organize or transport files, packages, or other office-related materials, Ability to read documents, use a computer, and perform data entry tasks, Ability to communicate clearly with management and coworkers, particularly in meetings or phone calls, Ability to operate standard office equipment such as computers, printers, phones, and copiers, Ability to occasionally lift and carry light objects, such as office supplies, documents, or small equipment.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation based on your skills, qualifications and experience
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits
• Family building benefits, including paid maternity/paternity leave
• 10 paid holidays and Paid Time Off
• Continued professional development opportunities and educational reimbursement
• Additional perks such as fitness reimbursements and employee discount programs