Buyer/Planner

Buyer/Planner - Global Point Sourcing Solutions

Fort Wayne, IN

Full-time, on-site

1st shift, M-F

Salaried Exempt

The Buyer/Planner position has primary responsibility for ensuring material availability to support sales efforts and the production schedule. These responsibilities include forecasting, managing inventory levels, supporting material/product level revisions, interacting/coordinating with suppliers, and supporting other business functions as required.

JOB RESPONSIBILITY SUMMARY

• Obtain quote for material and components as required. Summarize quotes and disseminate for approval
• Place purchase orders with suppliers for the procurement of production materials and sales as required by forecast and the production schedule
• Monitor status of open purchase orders to ensure on-time delivery of all materials, including timely resolution, communication, and mitigation of future potential problems
• Communicate with vendors/agents concerning discrepancies
• Work with sales and inventory control departments to develop proactive purchasing plans and to avoid stock-out of material/forecast
• Expedite or defer orders as required based on schedule/inventory changes
• Determine and establish optimal inventory levels based on forecast, demand variation and material lead times
• Track, monitor, and expedite delivery of goods and services with suppliers
• Work with Manufacturing to determine material requirements and execute purchase orders
• Coordinate material flows throughout product/BOM changes, obsolescence, and the introduction of new suppliers and/or materials due to new product development
• Manage the inter-company flow of materials between warehouse locations
• Evaluate supplier costs, solicit competitive bids and quotations, and maintain cost data base
• Coordinate as appropriate quality matters and engineering changes/developments between company and vendors
• Manage and resolve issues regarding PO to invoice discrepancies, returns and quality problems with suppliers
• Match, verify, and process invoices and packing slips
• Maintain PO file, keeping it organized and up to date
• Provide back-up support for supply chain functions including shipping, receiving, material handling and other duties as assigned
• Ensure and promote compliance to Company and Procurement policies and procedures
• Provide support and build relationships with stakeholders in different departments
• Use ERP system reporting and best practices for accurate inventory planning and stocking levels
• Comply with all safety policies, practices, and procedures; report all unsafe activity to supervisor or Human Resources Manager
• Participate in team activities to achieve departmental and company goals
• Perform other duties as assigned

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

(To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and ability required.)

Education/Licensure/Credentials

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or Logistics or related equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience

Required:

• 5 years’ experience in buyer/planner/material scheduler role within a manufacturing environment

Preferred:

• Previous experience working in manufacturing, the electronics industry and with Epicor ERP system

Special Knowledge/Skill

Required:

• Applied knowledge of demand planning, forecasting, MRP, transportation, supply chain, inventory management and warehousing disciplines
• Proficient with ERP/MRP systems and advanced Excel including Pivot Tables
• Strong organizational, analytical, and research skills
• Excellent accuracy and attention to detail
• Knowledge of sourcing from both domestic and international suppliers
• Strong sense of urgency & attention to detail
• Excellent organization, communication, and follow-up skills
• Strong math and statistical skills
• Good negotiation and problem-solving skills
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and components
• Able to influence others & manage conflict
• Ability to self-direct and take constructive action in ambiguous situations
• Extremely high standards of excellence
• Analytical with a methodical approach to problem solving
• Ability to work well independently as well as part of a team
• Experience establishing and employing demand-pull material planning methods
• Ability to work efficiently and maximize productivity
• Commitment to integrity and ethical behavior

Preferred:

• Experience with Microsoft Power Point is a plus

Physical Demands

Required: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Standing, walking, and sitting for a majority of the time
• Use of hands and arms to touch, lift, and reach, etc.
• Talking and hearing for a majority of the time
• Typing for a portion of the time
• Lifting and/or exerting up to 10lbs. of weight/force frequently and up to 50 lbs. of weight/force occasionally
• Cognitive requirements include ability to learn quickly, handle multiple complex task simultaneously, demonstrate strong attention to detail, and be high productive without need for much supervision
• Must be capable of remembering, imagining, logical, numerical, and verbal reasoning, perceiving, problem solving, and providing output that users can act upon

This job description supersedes all previous job descriptions. The job description is intended to be a tool to describe the primary purpose of the job and the KEY duties and responsibilities. The job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required. Management has the right to add to or change the job responsibilities at any time. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.