The Planner/Buyer is responsible for ensuring the right parts are available, at the right time and quantity, to meet production plans while minimizing inventory and cost. This role manages day-to-day Planned Order Actions, purchase order follow-up, inventory control, supplier communication, and cross-functional collaboration with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Logistics to support stable manufacturing operations and new product introductions.
Key responsibilities
- Run and manage MRP/MPS processes to convert demand (forecasts, customer orders, production schedules) into planned receipts.
- Create, release, and maintain purchase orders and planned orders; expedite and follow up with suppliers to secure on-time delivery.
- Maintain and optimize inventory levels (safety stock, reorder point, min/max) to meet service targets while minimizing obsolescence and carrying cost.
- Participate in S&OP / demand-review meetings and contribute materials-impact analysis for forecast changes.
- Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by planning material releases, identifying and securing critical long-lead items to meet Product release timelines.
- Perform regular cycle counts and support physical inventory; investigate and correct inventory discrepancies.
- Liaise with Quality and Engineering on nonconforming materials, part changes, and BOM updates; ensure BOM accuracy within ERP.
- Monitor supplier performance (on-time delivery, lead time variance) and escalate supply risks proactively.
- Prepare and maintain planning documentation, reports, and metrics for management (inventory turns, days of inventory, OTIF, forecast accuracy).
- Drive continuous improvement in planning processes, including automation, BOM clean-up, and lead-time reduction initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with company purchasing policies, import/export requirements, and record-keeping.
- Implement data-driven inventory management strategies to mitigate material risks, such as Excess and &Obsolete (E&O) and Purchase Price Variances (PPV).
Required qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Business, or related field - or equivalent experience.
- 3 - 5 years' experience in materials planning, production planning, or inventory control in a manufacturing environment (electronics, sensors, medical device or similar preferred).
- Hands-on experience with MRP/ERP systems (experience with SAP, Oracle, or similar strongly preferred).
- Strong Excel skills (VLOOKUP/INDEX-MATCH, pivot tables); familiarity with Power BI or other reporting tools a plus.
- Experience in data analytics and strong ability to build compelling visual presentations using charts and metrics.
- Excellent communication skills - able to work cross-functionally and with suppliers.
- Strong problem-solving, and organizational skills; attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities.
- Ability to work under pressure to meet production deadlines.
Preferred / nice-to-have
- APICS/ASCM CPIM or CSCP certification.
- Experience with medical device supply chain requirements (traceability, regulatory documentation).
- Experience supporting NPI and engineering change control.
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing, Kanban, and continuous improvement tools (5S, Kaizen).
Work environment & physical demands
- Primarily office-based at the Fremont facility with regular interaction on the production floor.
- May require walking/standing in production areas, occasional lifting of small boxes (per site safety policy).
- Typical hours: Monday-Friday; occasional overtime may be required to resolve supply issues.
What we offer- Competitive salary
- 401(k)
- Health insurance and wellness programs
- 401(k) with company match
- Professional onboarding and training opportunities
- Paid time off
- Health savings account
- Flexible spending account
- Life insurance
- Inclusive and collaborative work environment
