We are seeking a talented Production Buyer/Planner to purchase goods, materials, and services, considering price, quality, and on-time delivery to ensure continuity of supply.
RESPONSIBILITIES: • Maintaining the Master Production Schedule (Demand Planning), along with maintaining the Item Master on purchase parts to ensure proper lead times, pricing, and lot sizes • Utilize the Material Requirement Planning (MRP) system to ensure the timely release of material to support an efficient build process • Participate in cross-functional team meetings, including the Product Generation process, New Product Introduction, and Product Release process • Negotiate midsize value contracts, improve prices and terms of business with suppliers, and review opportunities to make business savings utilizing negotiation and procurement best practice tools and methods • Provide analysis on costs, new and existing,g and review cost reduction activities • Purchase goods, materials, components, or services in line with specified cost, quality, and delivery targets • Build, maintain, and manage supplier relationships and keep up good communications • Compiling status and performance reports and submitting them to management promptly • Contact suppliers to resolve issues with price, quality, delivery, or invoice. • Evaluate suppliers and contribute to performance reviews to ensure contract compliance • Ownership of the forecast and maintenance: Min, Max, and lead times in MRP. • Determines and maintains stock levels for manufactured and purchased parts based on historical usage and forecast analysis. • Responsible for communication of shortages and expected delivery dates to Production and Sales Teams • Coach and mentor part-time Assistant Buyer • Attend weekly Production planning meetings. Run and maintain reporting on parts. • Spend time on the plant floor inspecting materials supplies and understanding production flow
REQUIRED SKILLS / QUALIFICATIONS: • Bachelor's degree in Operations or Supply Chain Management, Business Management, or related field • 7+ years' experience in material requirements planning (MRP) and related software • Epicor ERP experience a plus • Understand ERP / MRP systems and be able to recognize and interpret signals provided • Understanding of Purchase Price Variance (PPV) and ABC Inventory Classification • Experience with purchasing imported materials, especially from sources in China. Knowledge of HTS codes, tariffs, and duties laws is a plus • Solid understanding of PO to the Payment process • Proficient in Microsoft Office, Excel skills a must • Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) accreditation or other relevant certification is helpful (APICS) • Lean Manufacturing experience helpful • Team player, clear communicator • Organized problem solver with excellent time management skills