Scope of Position

The Planner/Buyer II is responsible for proactively purchasing raw materials and components to meet Production and Customer requirements by managing the planning and procurement functions, monitoring inventory levels and lead times, developing and maintaining vendor relationships, and working cross-functionally within the Organization.

This position has no supervisory responsibility.

This position reports to the Purchasing Manager. This role is onsite and is based in Blauvelt, NY.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages procurement activities for assigned materials, products, and services using a Kanban pull-based replenishment system to ensure uninterrupted material flow to production.
• Demonstrates a working understanding of Kanban principles, including signal sizing, reorder points, lead-time considerations, and demand variability; actively participates in the setup, maintenance, and continuous improvement of Kanban items.
• Owns day-to-day execution of Kanban replenishment by monitoring consumption, supplier performance, and inventory levels to prevent shortages, excess inventory, or production downtime.
• Utilizes external planning and tracking tools (e.g., spreadsheets, reports, manual trackers) to supplement system limitations and ensure purchase orders are released accurately and on time.
• Creates and maintains spreadsheets to track demand trends, Kanban signals, supplier on-time delivery, quality issues, and material constraints; uses data to proactively identify supply risks.
• Prepares, issues, and maintains purchase orders for assigned commodities, ensuring pricing, quantities, and delivery dates are accurate and aligned with Kanban requirements.
• Works closely with suppliers to support Kanban replenishment, including resolving missed signals, delivery issues, quantity variances, and packaging or flow concerns.
• Assists production and materials teams with day-to-day part shortages or material flow disruptions to support on-time customer shipments.
• Collaborates cross-functionally with Materials, Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and Accounting to resolve material, receipt, pricing, and invoicing discrepancies; tracks root causes and corrective actions.
• Supports continuous improvement initiatives related to inventory accuracy, material flow, and supplier responsiveness, contributing ideas to improve Kanban effectiveness and overall supply chain performance.
• Maintains accurate and current documentation related to Kanban parts, supplier parameters, and replenishment rules.
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships with suppliers through regular verbal and written communication.
• Maintains working knowledge of company products, processes, systems, and supply chain strategies to effectively support business needs.
• Provides guidance and support to entry-level buyers or planners as needed, particularly in Kanban execution and issue resolution.
• Performs additional duties and participates in projects as assigned by the Purchasing Manager.
• Conducts all activities in alignment with company values, including Integrity, Accountability, Continuous Improvement, and Transparency.
• Assume responsibility for other projects and duties as assigned by Purchasing Manager or Company management.
• Responsibility directly tied to Watts Value (Integrity, Accountability, Continuous Improvement, Transparency)
• Travel Requirements: 10%

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, or a combination, in absence of degree, may consider relevant work experience.
• 4+ years of experience in Purchasing, Supply Chain, or Materials Management within a lean manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of and adherence to applicable laws, codes, policies, regulations, and safety practices and procedures, as applicable.
• Must successfully establish employment eligibility and satisfactorily complete background checks, including drug screen, and required pre-employment testing as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPM or APICS preferred but not required.

General Applicable Company Competencies

• Commitment to Watts' values of integrity, accountability, continuous improvement and innovation, and transparency.
• Punctuality and dependability.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing work priorities and stressful conditions.
• Adherence to all personnel policies, procedures, and standards of process as implemented by Watts.
• Maintain productive and collaborative relationships with other Watts employees.
• Adherence to Watts' seven cultural beliefs: Growth Mindset, Customer-Focused Innovation, Constant Communication, Clear Goals, Collaborate Globally, Be Inclusive, and Take Action.

Working Conditions:

While performing the job duties, you will be working on-site at a manufacturing facility and will perform the majority of your duties in an office environment. You may, at times, be required to be present on the manufacturing floor and will be required to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. You will be required to work in the office at the Blauvelt, NY location (Monday - Friday). Your scheduled work hours will be communicated to you by your manager.

Physical Requirements: Specific physical abilities required for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Ability to remain seated at a desk or workstation for extended periods.

• Ability to perform repetitive tasks like typing on a keyboard or using a mouse for extended periods.
• Ability to physically move around the office, organize or transport files, packages, or other office-related materials.

• Ability to read documents, use a computer, and perform data entry tasks.
• Ability to communicate clearly with management and coworkers, particularly in meetings or phone calls.

• Ability to operate standard office equipment such as computers, printers, phones, and copiers.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry light objects, such as office supplies, documents, or small equipment.

Pay Range:

The expected salary range for this position is $77K - $85K yearly. Actual compensation will be dependent upon individual skills, experience, qualifications, and applicable law.

Nothing in this job description restricts Watts' right to assign or reassign duties, responsibilities, and working hours/conditions to this position at any time. This position is "at will," which means that either the employee or Watts may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and for any lawful reason.

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Watts in it for you:

Please note that the following benefits apply only to permanent roles and do not apply to internship roles.

• Competitive compensation based on your skills, qualifications and experience
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits
• Family building benefits, including paid maternity/paternity leave
• 10 paid holidays and Paid Time Off
• Continued professional development opportunities and educational reimbursement
• Additional perks such as fitness reimbursements and employee discount programs
• Learn more about our benefit offerings here: https://tapintowattsbenefits.com/