Planner/Buyer

About the Role

The Planner/Buyer is responsible for planning, scheduling, and purchasing materials required to support manufacturing operations while maintaining optimal inventory levels. This position coordinates production schedules, supplier relationships, inventory control, and logistics activities to ensure customer demands are met on time and at the lowest total cost. The Planner/Buyer serves as a key link between suppliers, production, engineering, quality, and customer service.

Responsibilities

• Production Planning & Scheduling:
  • Develop and maintain production schedules based on customer demand, forecasts, inventory levels, and manufacturing capacity.
  • Review and analyze production requirements to ensure materials and resources are available to meet delivery commitments.
  • Monitor production performance and adjust schedules as necessary to address changing priorities.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, and quality teams to resolve production constraints.
  • Balance inventory levels while supporting customer service objectives and operational efficiency.
• Purchasing & Procurement:
  • Plan and purchase raw materials, components, packaging, and indirect materials required for production.
  • Issue purchase orders and manage supplier delivery schedules.
  • Negotiate pricing, lead times, and supplier agreements to achieve cost savings and supply continuity.
  • Monitor supplier performance related to quality, delivery, and responsiveness.
  • Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships.
  • Identify and qualify alternative suppliers when necessary to mitigate supply risks.
• Inventory Management:
  • Monitor inventory levels and ensure proper stocking strategies are maintained.
  • Analyze inventory trends and recommend actions to reduce excess and obsolete inventory.
  • Lead inventory accuracy initiatives including cycle counts and physical inventories.
  • Maintain accurate planning data, bills of materials, lead times, and item master information within the ERP system.
  • Establish and manage safety stock levels to support production requirements.
• Logistics & Transportation:
  • Coordinate domestic and international shipments of raw materials and finished goods.
  • Schedule and manage inbound and outbound freight activities.
  • Work with freight carriers, customs brokers, and logistics providers to ensure timely shipments.
  • Prepare and review shipping documentation including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and customs documentation.
  • Track shipments and resolve transportation issues to minimize delays and customer impact.
  • Monitor freight costs and identify opportunities for transportation savings and process improvements.
• Analysis & Reporting:
  • Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as inventory turns, supplier performance, schedule adherence, freight costs, and on-time delivery.
  • Generate reports and analyze data to support business decisions.
  • Participate in Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) activities.
  • Recommend continuous improvement initiatives to improve planning, purchasing, and inventory processes.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in material planning, production planning, purchasing, or supply chain management within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience coordinating domestic and international shipments preferred.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems; NetSuite preferred.
• Strong understanding of production planning, inventory control, purchasing, and supply chain management principles.
• Understanding of international shipping regulations, customs requirements, and logistics practices.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
• APICS/ASCM CPIM or CSCP certification.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Knowledge of import/export regulations and international trade compliance.
• Experience in ISO-certified manufacturing environments.
• Comfortable with potential travel (less than 10% if at all).

Pay

$35-38 hourly, dependent upon interview outcomes and experience.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Optional FSA/HSA
• 401k with 6% employer match
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Short & long term disability
• Tuition reimbursement
• 21.67 days of paid time off + 10 holidays

Schedule

Full time, non-exempt.

Location

Bellingham, WA.

About the Companies

Tidal Vision: We believe that sustainability should not require customers to compromise on price, convenience, or performance. Our mission is to create positive and systemic environmental impact by making our biopolymer solutions cost competitive, more convenient, and better performing than the synthetic chemicals we displace. We value innovation, open communication, and a collaborative work culture.

Cesco Solutions: An industrial water treatment provider specializing in high-organics wastewater from food processing and related industries. As part of Tidal Vision, Cesco leverages chitosan-based chemistry to improve clarification, reduce sludge, and enhance treatment efficiency, promoting sustainable practices.

Work Culture: We strive to build a flexible, innovative, and collaborative team, prioritizing people and customers over rigid processes. We encourage direct communication, creativity, and taking unusual approaches to advance our mission.

Subject to a criminal background check. Work is primarily in an office setting with occasional visits to manufacturing/warehouse areas. May require sitting, standing, walking, and lifting up to 25 pounds.