Purchasing Planner

Description:

Ulm Automotive LLC is looking for a Purchasing Planner who will be responsible for planning, procuring, and coordinating materials, components, supplies, and services needed to support production schedules, inventory targets, and business operations. This role works closely with suppliers, production, operations, inventory control, and finance to ensure materials are available on time, at the right cost, and in the right quantity.

Key Responsibilities

• Review demand forecasts, production schedules, inventory levels, and material requirements to determine purchasing needs.
• Create, release, and manage purchase orders from requisition through delivery and receipt.
• Monitor supplier confirmations, lead times, delivery schedules, and open orders to ensure materials arrive on time.
• Expedite or reschedule orders as needed to support changing production or customer requirements.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels by balancing availability, cost, lead time, safety stock, and inventory turn goals.
• Communicate regularly with suppliers to resolve shortages, delivery issues, pricing discrepancies, quality concerns, and invoice questions.
• Coordinate with production, warehouse, engineering, quality, customer service, and finance teams to support operational priorities.
• Maintain accurate planning and purchasing data in ERP or MRP systems, including supplier information, lead times, pricing, order quantities, and delivery dates.
• Analyze purchasing trends, supplier performance, and inventory data to identify opportunities for cost savings, process improvement, and risk reduction.
• Support supplier evaluations, vendor scorecards, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements:

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business, operations, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in purchasing, planning, procurement, inventory control, production planning, or supply chain operations.
• Working knowledge of ERP or MRP systems and purchasing processes.
• Ability to interpret demand, inventory, purchasing, and production data.
• Strong communication, organization, problem-solving, and follow-up skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills and Competencies

• Supplier negotiation and relationship management.
• Material requirements planning, inventory analysis, and demand planning.
• Understanding of production schedules, lead times, safety stock, and inventory turns.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in data entry, order management, and reporting.
• Ability to identify supply chain risks and recommend practical solutions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and common business reporting tools.

Work Environment

This position typically works in an office, manufacturing, warehouse, or operations environment. The role may require occasional overtime, supplier communication outside standard business hours, or visits to production and warehouse areas depending on business needs.

Success Measures

• On-time supplier delivery performance.
• Material availability to support production and customer demand.
• Inventory accuracy, inventory turns, and reduction of excess or obsolete stock.
• Timely resolution of shortages, supplier issues, and purchasing discrepancies.
• Cost savings, process improvements, and compliance with purchasing policies.

Benefits

• $25-$29/Hour, depending on experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ulm Automotive, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.