Buyer / Planner

Element Solutions

$71K — $107K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree preferred in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or other STEM discipline
  • 1-5 years of experience in procurement, planning, or supply chain management within a manufacturing environment
  • Strong analytical skills for data interpretation and trend analysis
  • Excellent negotiation and communication skills
  • Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy
  • Ability to multitask and thrive in dynamic environments
  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems, specifically MRP software

Responsibilities

  • Utilize MRP systems for demand analysis and generating purchase orders
  • Maintain supplier database in ERP, managing key supplier details
  • Act as power user for Esker system regarding non-inventory items and services
  • Monitor inventory levels and adjust procurement strategies to prevent stockouts
  • Evaluate supplier performance and identify cost-saving opportunities
  • Approve purchase requisitions and ensure timely order delivery
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with teams to align procurement and production schedules
  • Communicate status updates and manage supply chain disruptions
  • Analyze KPIs to enhance procurement processes and resource utilization

Benefits

  • Opportunities for career growth within a collaborative culture
  • Competitive compensation including performance-related bonus
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Wellness Program and paid time off
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Paid parental leave and tuition reimbursement
  • Professional development opportunities
Full Job Description
Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a detail-oriented and commercially minded Buyer / Planner to support our supply chain operations by ensuring the timely, cost-effective, and reliable supply of raw materials, components, and services. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working at the intersection of procurement, planning, and operations, and who understands the importance of supply continuity, quality, and compliance in a global chemical environment.
You will play a key role in balancing demand, inventory, supplier performance, and cost while supporting efficient manufacturing and customer delivery.

What will you be doing?
  • Material Requirements Planning (MRP) utilize MRP systems to analyze demand, generate purchase orders, and schedule deliveries based on production requirements.
  • Responsible in maintaining Supplier database in ERP system, i.e., supplier setup, item cross-reference, lead-time, payment terms, MOQ, etc. in the ERP system.
  • Power user for Esker system for non-Inventory items, services, etc. Go to person for the site on purchasing enquiries.
  • Monitor inventory levels, track usage patterns, and adjust procurement strategies accordingly to prevent stockouts and excess inventory.
  • Evaluate supplier performance, maintain vendor relationships, and identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.
  • Approve purchase requisitions, issue purchase orders, follow up on purchase order acknowledgement, and ensure on-time delivery. Regularly check Open Order Report and communicate delays or issues to supervisor.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with production teams, logistics, quality assurance, sourcing, and finance to align Buyer/Planner activities with production schedules and organizational goals.
  • Communicate effectively with stakeholders regarding material availability, delivery status, and potential supply chain disruptions.
  • Actively participate in meetings, provide insights, and contribute to strategic planning initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and performance.
  • Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs), identify areas for improvement, and implement best practices to enhance procurement processes and optimize resource utilization.
  • Support strategic sourcing initiatives set forth by the Global Sourcing team and Site management.
  • Identify savings opportunities and drive projects in coordination with Global Sourcing team and/or cross functional team.
Who are You?
  • Bachelor's degree preferred (B.A. or B.S.), ideally in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or other STEM discipline, and/or equivalent working experience.
  • Proven experience in procurement, planning, or supply chain management within a manufacturing environment, preferrable 1-5 years.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, perform trend analysis, and make data-driven decisions.
  • Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and process compliance.
  • Ability to multitask, prioritize workload, and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Familiarity with lean principles, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies is a plus.
  • Accomplished Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word skills. Proficiency in using MRP software/systems and familiarity with ERP systems (knowledge of JDE a plus).
We are Offering...

Challenge Yourself and Impact the Future - You will be part of a highly collaborative culture that promotes continuous improvement through cross-functional partnerships to achieve our mission. We do this through a strong and unified culture and transparent management, which has empowered us to create high-performing global teams that achieve superior solutions for our customers.

As part of the MAES Team, you will have ...
Opportunities for career growth, competitive compensation (competitive base salary and performance-related bonus plan), and benefits packages (health, dental, and vision insurance, Wellness Program, PTO/Holidays, as well as a 401(k)-retirement plan with a company match).
Innovative work environment where you will be a part of a dynamic and collaborative team.
Perks and incentives include paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and opportunities for professional development.

The typical base salary range for this position is between $71,822.00 and $107,732.00

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