Job Summary: The Planner/Buyer is responsible for developing and maintaining master production schedules for assigned product lines, subassemblies, and materials to support customer demand and operational objectives. This role drives material planning and procurement activities to ensure timely product delivery while balancing inventory, cost, quality, and production capacity requirements. The Senior Planner/Buyer serves as a key cross-functional partner to manufacturing, engineering, quality, and customer-facing teams to support efficient operations and high levels of customer satisfaction.Compensation Range: $68,000 - $100,000 annually.
Essential Job Functions- Develop, maintain, and manage computerized master production schedules for assigned products, assemblies, and materials based on customer orders, forecasts, and inventory strategies.
- Analyze MRP requirements and execute purchase order releases to suppliers in support of production schedules and material demand.
- Ensure material availability to support manufacturing start dates through proactive supplier management, expediting activities, shortage analysis, and review of open order reports.
- Monitor and evaluate production capacity requirements to ensure adequate labor, equipment, and material resources are available to meet schedule commitments and forecasted demand.
- Collaborate with manufacturing and operations teams to identify and resolve scheduling constraints, material shortages, and production issues impacting delivery performance.
- Review and process production-related requests and documentation, including rework orders, engineering change notices (ECNs), delivery updates, and inventory transactions.
- Coordinate cross-functional communication with engineering, quality, manufacturing, sales, and customer service teams to support schedule alignment and customer satisfaction.
- Process and manage customer orders, ensuring accurate system transactions and timely fulfillment.
- Negotiate supplier pricing, blanket purchase agreements, and supplier support programs to achieve cost and supply chain objectives.
- Maintain accurate production schedules, purchase orders, planning parameters, and related data within ERP/MRP systems.
- Monitor supplier performance and corrective action responses; partner with Quality Engineering to resolve supplier quality issues and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support inventory management objectives by balancing material availability with inventory optimization goals.
- Generate and analyze planning, scheduling, supplier, and inventory reports to support operational decision-making and performance improvement.
QualificationsEducation- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field preferred.
Experience- 5+ years of planning, purchasing, production control, or supply chain experience within a manufacturing environment preferred.
- Experience working with ERP/MRP systems in a manufacturing setting.
- Experience supporting complex production schedules, supplier management, and inventory planning activities.
Skills & Competencies- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Knowledge of production planning, inventory control, capacity planning, and procurement processes.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate system data.
Work Environment- This position operates primarily within a manufacturing environment and may require regular interaction with production areas, warehouse operations, and suppliers. The role may involve extended periods of sitting, computer-based work, and occasional walking throughout manufacturing facilities.
