Senior Buyer/Planner

The Buyer/Planner plays a critical role in ensuring the seamless flow of materials, components, and services required to support production and customer demand. This position is responsible for managing the supply base with a strong focus on delivery performance, quality, cost optimization, and inventory efficiency. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced environment and excels at building strong supplier relationships while driving continuous improvement across the supply chain.

Key Responsibilities:

Planning & Procurement

• Collaborate with Production Supervisors and Planners to understand sub-assemblies, production sequences, and material requirements.
• Analyze inventory levels and product demand to determine reorder points, including spike management strategies to ensure availability while minimizing carrying costs.
• Maintain accurate inventory and purchasing data within the ERP system and follow established standard work procedures.
• Prepare and manage purchase orders, ensuring timely delivery to meet operational needs.
• Procure a wide range of complex and technical parts, materials, and services.
• Coordinate procurement activities from initial intent to purchase through final delivery.

Supplier Management

• Source, evaluate, and engage reliable suppliers and vendors.
• Build and maintain long-term supplier relationships to support quality, cost, and delivery objectives.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts to secure advantageous agreements while balancing cost, quality, and service.
• Lead and manage supplier Return Material Authorizations (RMAs) as needed.
• Resolve issues related to damage claims, rejections, returns, over-shipments, cancellations, and engineering changes.

Inventory & Process Optimization

• Manage and optimize Kanban inventory levels, including CONWIP and other replenishment strategies.
• Conduct inventory analysis and support initiatives to increase inventory turns and reduce overall inventory value.
• Perform spend analysis and support contract planning with key vendors to drive cost optimization.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, including value engineering/value analysis efforts with Manufacturing and Design Engineering teams.
• Review procurement-related risks and opportunities, developing proactive mitigation plans.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Support R&D in identifying and qualifying suppliers for new components or partner manufacturers.
• Assist in developing and implementing supplier qualification processes.
• Work closely with Accounts Payable to resolve invoice discrepancies and payment issues.

Competencies:

• Action Oriented: Tackles challenges with urgency, energy, and enthusiasm.
• Collaboration: Builds strong partnerships and works effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Communication: Delivers clear, audience-appropriate communication across multiple modes.
• Customer Focus: Develops strong customer relationships and delivers customer-centric solutions.
• Decision Quality: Makes timely, sound decisions that support organizational progress.
• Self-Awareness: Uses feedback and reflection to understand strengths and development areas.
• Results Driven: Consistently achieves goals, even under pressure.
• Nimble Learning: Learns quickly through experimentation and adapts to new challenges.
• Process Optimization: Identifies and implements efficient work processes with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Tech Savvy: Embraces and adopts digital tools and technology innovations.

Qualifications & Experience:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field.

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in purchasing, planning, or supply chain roles.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• APICS, CPIM, or CPSM certifications are an asset.
• Lean or Lean Six Sigma training and experience with Lean project deployment are considered an asset.

Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills across all organizational levels.
• Effective presentation and documentation-writing abilities (procedures, work instructions, etc.).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced proficiency with ERP systems.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, especially Excel for data analysis and PowerPoint for presentations
• Experience using AI tools to improve productivity, analysis, and decision-making in day-to-day work is an asset.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary
• 401(k) with immediate 100% vesting on company match
• Health, vision, and dental insurance
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Competitive paid time off program

Compensation

Employee Type: Salaried

Currency: USD

Salary Minimum: 70,000

Salary Maximum: 95,000

Incentive: No

Disclaimer: Where a specific pay range is noted, it is a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. The actual salary offered will be based on experience, skills, qualifications, market / business considerations, and geographic location.

For more information on AMETEK's competitive benefits, please click here.