Buyer/Planner

Job Summary

A Buyer/Planner helps drive the Supply Chain team’s initiatives by supporting the development and maintenance of the corporate buying policies and procedures.

Purchases materials, supplies and services at the most favorable terms for the organization. Qualifies vendors, evaluates bids, and negotiates prices and terms for purchased goods and services. Tracks purchases, monitors vendor quality, and maintains a current database of vendor information. May require a bachelor's degree or its equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.  Gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function.

Job Responsibilities

Forecasts and buys parts for the company along with tracking and monitoring open orders from overseas

Publishes production requirements schedule for products to contract manufacturers; releases purchase orders to suppliers consistent with corporate objectives with respect to inventory turns, days of inventory on hand, and availability metrics

Places and maintains all POs, expedites and coordinates shipping for all items, prioritizes production with CM’s –this includes all completed assemblies and components, both domestic and international.

Builds and maintains positive, productive working relationships with assigned vendors overseas

Works with suppliers to resolve problems in delivery performance and makes process improvements on any quality issuesTracks and expedites orders and investigate order problems as requiredMaintains inventory of items, quantity, unit price and purchase historyMonitors inventory levels and adjusts system (MRP and/or min-max planning factors) to meet availability targets and minimize excess inventory

Collaborates and communicates crossfunctionally to resolve issues and accomplish assigned duties

Communicates any supply interruptions, real or potential, to the responsible sales team member

Optimizes product planning functions; develops systemic solutions accordingl and continuously optimizes those solutions, specifically Materials Requirements Planning; targets integrated communication with contract manufacturers

Assists Sales team in the reconciliation of consigned inventory located at customers.

Contacts, communicates and negotiates quotes and product specifications with assigned vendors for stock and custom items

Tracks, monitors and reports on vendor cost, quality and accuracy of purchase orders

Directs communication with customers on custom quotes and follow through with suppliers

Accommodates shifting priorities as well as excellent problem-solving skills focusing on continuous improvement

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Economics, Statistics or other related discipline or relevant work experience
• Proficient in MS Office: Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Experience using an ERP computer system to plan and procure materials
• Working knowledge of MRP – Material Requirements Planning or similar system

Preferred

• Experience in Hydraulics industry
• At least one year of work-related experience with both US and foreign (Asia based) vendors and suppliers

Essential Job Function

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to set goals, objectives, and timelines to efficiently meet deadlines
• Outstanding organizational, interpersonal and communication (written and verbal) skills with executives, customers and vendors
• Ability to sit in an office environment and/ or in front of a computer for long periods of time with or without reasonable accommodations
• Strong quantitative ability and comfort with data driven decision processes
• Ability to lift up to 10 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time for meetings, training or other business needs with or without reasonable accommodations