Buyer / Planner at RBC Bearings in Simpsonville, South Carolina

Job Description:

Buyer Planner

Reports to: Value Chain Manager

Job Summary:
The Buyer Planner is responsible for managing procurement and planning activities that support production requirements and customer service goals. This role balances the need for high service levels with inventory optimization by maintaining accurate material master data, coordinating with internal stakeholders, and communicating effectively with external suppliers. The Buyer Planner drives continuous improvement in inventory accuracy, material availability, lead time reduction, and overall supply chain performance.

The successful candidate will play a key role in driving on-time delivery (COTD), maintaining target fill rates, and ensuring optimal inventory levels through effective planning, forecasting, and execution strategies. The role demands excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills, along with proficiency in SAP, Excel, and Outlook.

Key Responsibilities:
Inventory Management

• Set and maintain safety stock levels for all Crossville-produced stock items to meet customer fill rate targets.
• Monitor and manage inventory levels to ensure optimal stock availability while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.
• Use data-driven analysis to continually review and improve safety stock, lead times, and lot sizes.
• Evaluate and maintain accurate Material Master settings, ensuring that plant and sales views are aligned across all relevant product lines.
• Coordinate with production and logistics teams to ensure inventory levels meet demand and support operational goals.
• Drive improvements in inventory turns while balancing service levels and working capital goals.

• Place and manage purchase orders for raw materials and components to support production schedules.
• Set expected completion and delivery dates for each incoming ZMTO order, based on current inventory levels and production timelines.
• Expedite vendor orders as necessary to maintain high customer order fill rates and improve COTD performance.
• Review supplier performance, lead times, and delivery reliability, working with suppliers to address delays or quality concerns.
• Identify opportunities to improve supplier efficiency and delivery performance through communication and collaboration.
• Support supplier relationship management by fostering professional communication and problem-solving.

• Collaborate with internal planning, production, and fulfillment teams to ensure alignment of material availability with production schedules.
• Ensure production orders are released based on available inventory or expected delivery of components.
• Manage allocated inventory to ensure timely release and execution of manufacturing orders.
• Provide clear visibility into material availability and potential shortages that may impact production or delivery timelines.

• Review and maintain the accuracy of Material Master data within SAP, including procurement, inventory, and planning parameters.
• Validate system settings and configurations for existing and new product lines to ensure proper planning logic.
• Identify and correct data inconsistencies that could impact inventory management or production planning.

• Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) such as inventory turns, COTD, fill rates, and supplier lead times to identify areas for improvement.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and projects related to supply chain optimization.
• Provide insights and recommendations to management on supply planning, inventory optimization, and procurement strategies.
• Generate reports and dashboards as needed to support decision-making and performance tracking.

• A bachelor's degree in supply chain management, logistics, business administration, or a related field is preferred.
• SAP experience is required, especially within the Material Management (MM) and Production Planning (PP) modules.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and other Office applications.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities to work effectively with suppliers and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to data accuracy and process consistency.

• Extended periods of sitting at a workstation.
• Frequent use of a computer, including typing, reaching, and grasping.
• Speaking in person and via phone/Teams, with the ability to hear, comprehend, and document detailed information.
• Occasional standing and walking within the office or production environment.
• Minimal travel required.

• Use data to drive decisions around safety stocks and inventory allocation.
• Set and manage expected delivery dates for production components.
• Expedite orders and resolve supplier delays to ensure customer commitments are met.
• Ensure accurate material master data to support planning and purchasing functions.
• Participate in cross-functional teams focused on inventory accuracy and lead time reduction.
• Ensure consistent communication and collaboration with internal and external partners.
• Maintain flexibility and adaptability to respond to changing priorities and business needs.
• Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of the job.

• Play a key role in enhancing supply chain performance and customer satisfaction.
• Be part of a collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts in a leading industrial organization.
• Develop professionally with opportunities for cross-functional exposure and skills growth.