Job Description
Job DescriptionJob Title: Buyer/Planner
Position Summary
The Buyer/Planner II ensures the timely procurement and availability of materials to support manufacturing, Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO), and field service requirements. Operating in a regulated medical device manufacturing environment, this individual contributor manages supplier relationships, executes purchasing activities, mitigates supply chain risks, and optimizes inventory levels.
Key Responsibilities
- Material Planning & Procurement: Analyze MRP recommendations to plan and purchase components. Create and monitor purchase orders through fulfillment to meet manufacturing schedules.
- Supplier Management: Proactively manage open orders, resolve material shortages, expedite critical deliveries, and lead performance discussions to improve supplier quality and on-time delivery.
- Inventory Optimization: Implement strategies to maintain healthy stock levels, minimize excess and obsolete (E&O) inventory, and improve inventory turns.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Quality, Receiving, Manufacturing, and Strategic Sourcing to resolve supply issues and support dual-sourcing and cost-reduction initiatives.
- NPI & Engineering Support: Maintain accurate data (lead times, supplier info) in QAD ERP and coordinate materials for New Product Introductions (NPI) and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs).
Qualifications
Required
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years in tactical purchasing, material planning, or manufacturing operations.
- Systems: Hands-on experience utilizing ERP/MRP systems and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
- Skills: Strong analytical problem-solving, priority management, and cross-functional communication.
Preferred
- Experience in medical device or FDA-regulated manufacturing environments.
- Familiarity with the QAD ERP system.
- APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP).
- Experience managing ECOs, NPI, and spare/field service parts.