Senior Planner/Buyer, Contract Manufacturing Supply Chain

At Blistex, we’re more than a trusted name in lip care. We are a Chicagoland-based, global consumer packaged goods (CPG) company built on innovation, quality, and a people-first culture. For over 75 years, we’ve grown from a family-founded business into an industry leader, while staying true to the values that define us: integrity, respect, accountability, and continuous improvement. Beyond Blistex®, we’re a true family of brands, including Tucks®, Odor-Eaters®, Kank-A®, Glysomed®, Stridex®, Ivarest®, and Foille®. Together, these trusted healthcare and personal care products reach consumers around the world, giving employees the opportunity to work beyond a single category and gain experience across a diverse, growing portfolio.

Our success starts with our people. We foster a collaborative, team-oriented environment where individuals are empowered to grow, contribute, and make meaningful impact.

About the Role

Are you passionate about supply chain excellence, strategic supplier partnerships, and ensuring products reach customers on time and in full? We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Planner/Buyer, Contract Manufacturing to join our Supply Chain team and play a critical role in managing the end-to-end planning and procurement activities for our contract-manufactured product portfolio. In this role, you'll be responsible for balancing inventory, production planning, procurement, and supplier performance to ensure optimal service levels while minimizing costs and inventory risks. You'll collaborate closely with Contract Manufacturers and cross-functional partners across Marketing, Sales, Quality, R&D, Regulatory, and Distribution to support business objectives, product launches, and continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate is analytical, proactive, highly organized, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where problem-solving and relationship management are equally important.

Responsibilities

• Supply Chain Planning & Inventory Management
  • Analyze inventory levels for contract-manufactured finished goods, work-in-process (WIP), and packaging materials.
  • Create and manage purchase orders aligned with demand forecasts and MRP plans to ensure product availability while minimizing excess inventory and obsolescence.
  • Maintain and update production schedules for assigned contract-manufactured products.
  • Prepare and communicate monthly forecast updates to key stakeholders.
  • Monitor inventory, lead times, supplier performance, and delivery commitments to proactively mitigate supply risks.
• Supplier & Contract Manufacturing Management
  • Build and maintain strong partnerships with designated contract manufacturers.
  • Drive accountability for supplier performance, quality, service levels, and delivery expectations.
  • Manage late orders, supply disruptions, investigations, and escalation activities to minimize business impact.
  • Review supplier pricing updates and purchase price variances to identify cost-saving opportunities and support continuous improvement efforts.
  • Maintain accurate supplier records, contracts, and pricing documentation.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Product Support
  • Coordinate component shipments and materials planning activities with contract manufacturers and distribution partners.
  • Partner with Marketing, R&D, Quality, Regulatory, and Operations teams to support new product launches and commercialization efforts.
  • Collaborate on line trials, material validations, and process improvements to ensure successful project execution.
  • Support supply chain readiness for innovation initiatives and business growth opportunities.
• Systems, Processes & Compliance
  • Create and maintain Bills of Material (BOMs) and related documentation within company systems.
  • Ensure proper routing, approvals, and compliance through Electronic Quality Management System (eQMS) software (MasterControl) and other business systems.
  • Review and approve invoices in accordance with company policies and financial controls.
  • Identify opportunities to improve operational processes, data accuracy, and overall supply chain performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in supply chain planning, procurement, production planning, or contract manufacturing operations.
• Proven experience managing third-party manufacturing and supplier relationships.
• Strong understanding of MRP, demand planning, procurement, and inventory management principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across multiple functions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and standard business applications.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound business judgment.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or advanced degree.
• Experience within Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), pharmaceutical, healthcare, food, or other regulated manufacturing industries.
• Experience with SAP S/4HANA and SAP IBP.
• APICS CSCP certification or equivalent professional certification.
• Knowledge of quality systems, cGMP requirements, and regulatory standards related to contract manufacturing.
• Experience supporting new product launches and commercialization activities.
• Prior experience managing supplier negotiations and driving cost improvement initiatives.
• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally to support contract manufacturers, supplier audits, and cross-functional projects.

Benefits

As part of the total compensation package, a full range of benefits are offered including medical coverage, insurance, and financial benefits. For more information, please visit: https://blistexinc.com/employee-benefits/

Pay

The base pay for this position ranges from $86,000 to $105,000. Pay is based on several factors including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The job role is eligible for a discretionary bonus that may be provided as part of a total compensation package.

Schedule

Typical office hours Monday through Friday.