Buyer

The Buyer Planner will be primarily responsible for managing the material planning processes required for ensuring inventory levels for meeting production schedules and customer delivery dates. Responsibilities include; planning and executing raw material purchases, ordering, expediting, monitoring and reporting inventory activity. The Buyer Planner must build supplier relationships; which include negotiation and identification of supplier ability/inability to meet materials requirements plans and adjusting accordingly. In addition, the Buyer Planner will collaborate with other departments to ensure that all material requirements are met for added or revised orders. Function as a key liaison between production and the supplier base.

Essential Functions:

• Planning and executing procurement of finished and raw goods.

• Managing and controlling the cost-effective purchase of materials.

• Review, analyze and interpret various reports to determine requirements based on material availability, inventory levels and lead times.

• Proactively report product and material availability issues.

• Maintain, monitor Master Data; revise essential system planning data to ensure ERP system is effectively planning for future requirements.

• Working with production, ensure proper recording, measurement and evaluation of inventory levels to meet customer operational needs.

• Maintain purchase order status and shipping tracking information in ERP system.

• Ensure parts and materials are bought at the most competitive price and delivered on time for production.

• Foster close working relationships with associated departments (e.g. Operations, Quality, Sales, Customer Service, Shipping, Accounting, etc.).

• Continually improve purchasing methods and drive down external spend.

• Carry out a comprehensive review of the Purchasing function and its methodology and identify and implement improvements.

Job Qualifications: (Knowledge, Skills and abilities):

• Associates degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations or equivalent

• Minimum 1 year recent previous experience in a Purchasing/Materials role

• High competency level in use of Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, as a minimum)

• Experience working in ERP/MRP systems is essential with a specific focus on purchasing activities, knowledge of Sage ERP Software a plus

• Strong analytical, planning and organizational skills

• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks/projects with a high degree of effectiveness with an ability to work independently under pressure and react quickly to changing priorities

• Highly organized with excellent oral and written communication and follow-up skills

• Ability to take a proactive approach to overcome challenges and achieve results

• Proven appreciation of customer service expectations and cost demands of business

• Sets priorities taking into account short and long-term needs of the business.

Working conditions:

Position will primarily be located in a controlled office environment with occasional requirements to conduct work in the warehouse or production areas. Other requirements including standing, walking, sitting, talking, hearing, fingering, grasping, use of personal computer and related office equipment, and a minimum 40 work hours per week. Minimal travel may be required