About this role
Job Description Summary
The Buyer / Planner is responsible for coordinating production planning and procurement activities to ensure the timely availability of materials and efficient manufacturing operations across US Kitting sites.
This role serves as a critical link between supply chain and production, ensuring that inventory, purchasing, and production plans are aligned with operational goals and customer demand.
How will you make an impact & Requirement
Key Responsibilities
📦 Production Planning
• Develop and maintain production schedules based on sales forecasts, inventory levels, and capacity constraints • Partner with manufacturing, engineering, and sales teams to align production plans with business priorities • Monitor production progress and adjust schedules to address delays, shortages, or demand fluctuations • Analyze capacity and resource utilization to optimize workflow and minimize downtime • Maintain accurate production plans, work orders, and performance metrics • Analyze demand, inventory levels, and lead times to optimize replenishment strategies • Collaborate with S&OP and operations teams to anticipate future material and production needs
🛒 Purchasing & Supplier Management
• Execute daily purchasing activities to ensure timely acquisition of raw materials, components, and supplies • Source materials and work with vendors to achieve competitive pricing, quality, and lead times • Monitor supplier performance and escalate issues related to delivery, quality, or compliance • Maintain appropriate inventory levels to balance service levels and carrying costs • Ensure purchasing activities align with company policies and regulatory requirements • Track supplier KPIs (on-time delivery, lead time, quality) and support performance improvement actions
📊 Inventory & Materials Management
• Manage inventory to support production needs while minimizing excess and obsolescence • Support implementation of materials management best practices such as: • MRP (Material Requirements Planning) • Reorder point (ROP) strategies • Vendor-managed inventory (VMI) • ABC analysis
📈 Data Analysis & Reporting
• Utilize SAP system to manage planning and purchasing activities • Analyze key metrics including inventory levels, supplier performance, and production adherence • Partner with data and supply chain teams to support dashboards and reporting • Provide insights to stakeholders to support data-driven decision making
🤝 Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Partner closely with Operations, Planning, Quality, PMO and Logistics teams • Support new product introductions, demand changes, and supply transitions • Communicate risks related to supply, capacity, or inventory in a timely manner
🔄 Continuous Improvement
• Identify and drive improvements to planning, procurement, and inventory processes • Support initiatives to reduce costs, improve supplier reliability, and increase efficiency • Contribute to projects that improve supply chain responsiveness and performance • Assist in maintaining SAP data accuracy and system effectiveness
🚀 Strategic Contribution
• Support contingency planning to mitigate supply chain disruptions • Contribute to cost savings initiatives and process improvements • Participate in cross-functional initiatives to enhance supply chain performance • Help improve visibility through reporting and analytics
✅ Qualifications
• Education & Experience • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Industrial Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience) • 3–5 years of experience in production planning, purchasing, or supply chain roles • Experience in a manufacturing or operations environment preferred
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Supply Chain & Planning • Strong understanding of planning and procurement processes • Experience with MRP/ERP systems • Knowledge of inventory control and replenishment strategies • Analytical Skills • Strong data analysis and problem-solving capability • Ability to interpret demand, inventory, and performance data • Communication & Collaboration • Strong interpersonal and cross-functional collaboration skills • Ability to effectively communicate with suppliers and internal stakeholders
Technical Skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, data analysis) • Experience with ERP/MRP systems • Familiarity with reporting tools (Power BI or similar a plus)
🌟 Preferred Qualifications
• APICS/CPIM certification • Experience with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement • Familiarity with ISO standards or regulated environments • Exposure to global supply chain operations
We are an equal opportunity employer