PLANNER, JR/BUYER

About the role

The Jr. Planner/Buyer assists with planning and purchasing tasks by analyzing inventory data, preparing purchase orders, tracking deliveries, and communicating with suppliers. The role helps maintain accurate stock levels, supports production needs, and contributes to cost-effective procurement decisions.

Responsibilities

• Perform production planning activities driven by the MRP/ERP system, including releasing work orders to the shop floor and generating material requisitions to support manufacturing operations.
• Manage purchasing and inventory planning by forecasting demand, placing purchase orders, coordinating with suppliers, and ensuring materials arrive on time while controlling costs and stock levels.
• Ensure the efficient flow of materials across all operational areas, including Procurement, Receiving, Manufacturing, Assembly, Inspection, and Shipping.
• Coordinate both internal processes and external supplier interactions to meet production schedules and customer delivery commitments.
• Proactively identify and resolve issues that may impact material movement or production timelines by compiling and maintaining action item lists, keeping all stakeholders informed of risks and progress.
• Route and expedite raw material, components, engineering documents, blueprints, etc., in and between departments to ensure the uninterrupted flow of projects.
• Revise and re-schedule orders to meet the priorities of the team as directed by Planner or Project Manager.
• Compile and prepare reports tracking material movements to provide detailed updates for Project Manager and Planners.
• Work with area owners to prioritize schedules, where necessary, to avoid extended delays and keep high-priority jobs moving through their various production activities.
• Report production issues or irregularities to the project and/or assigned planner as required.
• Perform job updates due to scrap and engineering revisions as required to keep hardware in production at the latest configuration.
• Assist and provide recommendations concerning processes, procedures, personnel, equipment, and any other improvements that may improve the effectiveness and efficiencies of the organization and company.
• Work closely with Project and Planning Teams, Assembly, Machine Shop, and Inventory Control teams to drive commitments and achieve required production goals and on-time delivery to both internal and external customers.
• Collaborate with all area owners to coordinate preparation of schedules and reports and maintain those files and other required records.
• Follow up on late shipments and resolve supply issues.

Experience

• Minimum of one-year experience in a fast-paced precision production environment preferred.
• Knowledge of production control systems, component and assembled products, manufacturing processes preferred.
• Understanding of MRP/ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Epicor) beneficial.
• Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, and supplier quality management systems beneficial.
• Understanding of FAR/DFARS, ITAR/EAR, and government contracting principles beneficial.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and digital procurement tools.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.

Education

• High School or technical/vocational school degree required.
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or related field (and/or equivalent experience) preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to occasionally lift or move materials weighing up to 25–30 lbs.
• Regular use of computer, keyboard, and standard office equipment.
• Ability to travel occasionally to suppliers or company sites as needed.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Health savings accounts.
• 401(k) savings plan.
• Long-term disability coverage.
• Life and accident insurance.
• Employee assistance program.
• Vacation and PTO time off.
• Paid holidays.
• Bereavement and other applicable federal and state sick leave.
• Company recognition program for monetary or non-monetary awards.