Planner-Buyer

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. Basic Job Functions: This person will be responsible for day-to-day execution of end-to-end planning processes of assigned BOM materials in conjunction with an aligned strategy. The candidate is tasked with managing incoming raw material stock levels in conjunction with the demand plan to support the global manufacturing operations. This role interfaces with suppliers to assure purchase orders are placed and deliveries are scheduled and maintained to meet production requirements of one or more critical production material commodities and production consumables. Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain or business related field. OR Associate's degree and minimum of 5 years' experience in material planning function. APICS/ISM Certification preferred. 3-5 years' experience in a supply chain function. Minimum of 2 years' experience in a manufacturing environment preferred. Experience with commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within Supply Chain. Experience with MRP concepts and one or more ERP systems (Oracle preferred). Required Skills/Competencies: Ability to work with little supervision on majority of tasks; may need support for more complicated issues. Ability to analyze data, recognize critical issues and drive solutions to resolve. Ability to seek/gather information from cross functional teams. Demonstrates ability to communicate cross functionally and globally. Strong attention to detail Strong mathematical abilities Proficient use of all Microsoft Office suite programs Proficient in Oracle or other ERP system functionality Demonstrated experience in managing suppliers and supplier relationships Demonstrated experience in negotiating cost reductions and terms and conditions Essential Responsibilities: Ensures there is a Plan for Every Part (PFEP) in alignment with the overall planning strategy; Executes to plan Ensures accurate supplier forecast data available to cross functional teams. Manage transition roll outs/changes/phase outs to ramp new materials and minimize obsolescence. Utilizing MRP and other input from Manufacturing Planning, determine what items need to be ordered and in what quantity, and place Purchase orders with approved suppliers to meet manufacturing requirements. Manages global balancing of supply across sites in supply constrained situations. Responsible for negotiating pricing and other commercial terms with assigned vendors. Independently investigates new suppliers for improved price, delivery, and quality. Responsible for proposing and supporting the qualification of new suppliers. Responsible for managing inventory levels of assigned materials. As required, expedite or reschedule deliveries to meet changes in production or requirements, including working with Logistics to schedule and arrange timely and cost-effective deliveries. Notify suppliers of changes in specification and obtain their approval prior to implementing the change. Notify suppliers of quality discrepancies in their incoming material; with internal and supplier experts, support the identification of root cause and assure corrective action; and assure material disposition is appropriate dealt with Analyzes aging purchase orders and promptly revises delivery dates through closure. Interfaces with all departments and suppliers. Manage all system planning master data for assigned materials. Monitor significant inventory changes and investigate root cause. Reviews and makes corrections as needed based on exception reports to ensure sufficient inventory. Support requests and actions items from other departments as required. Maintain effective communications and foster teamwork with peers. Assure adherence to all First Solar processes and proce