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.
- Experience using AI tools to improve productivity, analysis, and decision-making in day-to-day work.
What We Offer- Competitive base salary
- 401(k)
- Health, vision, and dental insurance
- Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Educational reimbursement
- Competitive paid time off program
