Planner/Buyer

Job Titli: Planner/Buyer Location : Fremont, CA – Onsite Duration: 6 Months contract to hire The Planner (70%)/Buyer (30%) is responsible for ensuring the right parts are available, at the right time and quantity, to meet production plans while minimizing inventory and cost. This role manages day-to-day Planned Order Actions, purchase order follow-up, inventory control, supplier communication, and cross-functional collaboration with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Logistics to support stable manufacturing operations and new product introductions.

Key Responsibilities

• Run and manage MRP/MPS processes to convert demand (forecasts, customer orders, production schedules) into planned receipts.
• Create, release, and maintain purchase orders and planned orders; expedite and follow up with suppliers to secure on-time delivery.
• Maintain and optimize inventory levels (safety stock, reorder point, min/max) to meet service targets while minimizing obsolescence and carrying cost.
• Participate in S&OP / demand-review meetings and contribute materials-impact analysis for forecast changes.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by planning material releases, identifying and securing critical long-lead items to meet Product release timelines.
• Perform regular cycle counts and support physical inventory; investigate and correct inventory discrepancies.
• Liaise with Quality and Engineering on nonconforming materials, part changes, and BOM updates; ensure BOM accuracy within ERP.
• Monitor supplier performance (on-time delivery, lead time variance) and escalate supply risks proactively.
• Prepare and maintain planning documentation, reports, and metrics for management (inventory turns, days of inventory, OTIF, forecast accuracy).
• Drive continuous improvement in planning processes, including automation, BOM clean-up, and lead-time reduction initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with company purchasing policies, import/export requirements, and record-keeping.
• Implement data-driven inventory management strategies to mitigate material risks, such as Excess and &Obsolete (E&O) and Purchase Price Variances (PPV).

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Business, or related field — or equivalent experience.
• 3 - 5 years’ experience in materials planning, production planning, or inventory control in a manufacturing environment (electronics, sensors, medical device or similar preferred).
• Hands-on experience with MRP/ERP systems (experience with SAP, Oracle, or similar strongly preferred).
• Strong Excel skills (VLOOKUP/INDEX-MATCH, pivot tables); familiarity with Power BI or other reporting tools a plus.
• Experience in data analytics and strong ability to build compelling visual presentations using charts and metrics.
• Excellent communication skills — able to work cross-functionally and with suppliers.
• Strong problem-solving, and organizational skills; attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet production deadlines.