The Senior 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 ResponsibilitiesPlanning & 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 & ExperienceEducation- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field.
Experience- Minimum of 5 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
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)
- Educational reimbursement
- Competitive paid time off program
We are committed to the protection and promotion of your privacy. In connection with your application for employment with us at PAC, please click on this link to view our Applicant Privacy Notice. https://www.paclp.com/about-pac/careers/view
