Senior Buyer & Planner

This is an opportunity to be part of something great the exciting growth of a small employee-owned manufacturing firm You can become an owner We are looking for a long-term, full-time Senior Buyer/Planner eager to join our foundation team. You will perform all functions necessary to maintain optimal inventory levels for both make and buy parts. You will manage domestic and import vendors, carry out all purchasing activity, accurate production kitting, and ensure inventory stockroom integrity and part lot traceability. We need someone who is results-oriented and driven to succeed through continual improvement. A well-qualified candidate must be exceptional with interpreting forecasts and historical usage data to plan purchasing and production activities. Job Overview: The Senior Buyer/Planner plays a vital role in overseeing and supporting all inventory processes in alignment with company policies and objectives. This position involves actively collaborating with cross-functional teams, including Engineering, Production, Inventory Control, Quality, and the Shipping Department, to manage and optimize inventory-related activities. Key responsibilities include Supply Chain Management, On-Time Delivery, Quality Performance, Lean Inventory Management, and ensuring the integrity of the PRP/MRP system. Additionally, the Senior Buyer/Planner is responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and vendors, ensuring effective communication and negotiation to secure the best terms and support for the company’s supply chain needs. The ability to foster positive, long-term partnerships is crucial for ensuring reliable, cost-effective procurement. The Senior Buyer/Planner must be dedicated to driving business performance and be prepared to prioritize the company's interests, especially during critical operations requiring swift and decisive action. Responsibilities: Define required purchases and deliverables by planning, scheduling, and monitoring the movement of materials, goods, and services throughout the product life cycle. Collaborate with the Operations Manager and Production Team to identify opportunities for improving MRP standard costs, lead times, forecasts, MOQ’s, and other demand drivers. Generate purchase orders and release work orders to support production schedules, ensuring on-time delivery to customers. Maintain up-to-date purchase order statuses and shipment tracking information. Utilize the company’s ERP system to manage procurement, production planning, and inventory control tasks, ensuring data accuracy and process efficiency. Negotiate prices, purchase agreements, and terms with suppliers to achieve optimal cost and value. Identify supply gaps and develop action plans to meet customer delivery dates. Expedite supplier shipments as needed to meet customer requirements. Recommend suppliers based on cost, quality, and delivery competitiveness for assigned responsibilities. Administer supplier surveys to evaluate performance and compliance. Interview and collaborate with current and prospective suppliers to assess supply capabilities, transportation logistics, inventory control, and quality management systems. Perform root cause analysis related to purchases and implement corrective actions as necessary. Assist in resolving production, design, quality, and delivery challenges. Coordinate quality matters and engineering changes/developments between company teams and suppliers, ensuring minimal impact on inventory. Provide support for new product development initiatives. Assist in managing physical inventory, including stockroom replenishment, cycle counting, and kitting procedures, while balancing stock-on-hand with inventory turn goals. Serve as a resource during customer audits and deliver professional customer service. Report directly to the Operations Manager. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Exceptional excel and related analytical computer skills. Highly organized with the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines. 5 years exposure to an MRP or ERP system. Inventory Control & Purchasing experience is required. Excellent customer service, communication, and negotiation skills to interact with supply chain ISO9001, AS9100 quality management systems This position requires the use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee. Education and Experience: Education in Business, Inventory Management, Buyer/Planner, or similar is preferred. Benefits: We are a 100% Employee-Owned Company (ESOP), and offer a comprehensive benefits package including ownership Competitive salary Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Long term disability and Life insurance Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) Paid holidays and Vacation Employee Assistance Program – counseling, legal issue support, financial guidance, and more. Tuition Reimbursement Gym Membership Working Conditions; Primarily office-based role in a collaborative environment. Regular interaction with cross-functional teams, including finance, logistics, and suppliers. Frequent meetings to review strategies and supplier performance. Occasional travel to supplier locations or manufacturing sites may be required. Physical Demands: Predominantly sedentary, involving extended periods of sitting and working at a computer. Requires good visual acuity for analyzing data and reports. Involves repetitive motions, such as typing and using a mouse. May include light lifting of documents or product samples. This role is essential for managing procurement processes, and while it is largely office-oriented, it may involve some physical tasks and travel as needed.