Buyer Planner I

**Description**

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The Buyer Planner I will be responsible for performing inventory planning, sourcing, and purchasing functions as part of a Supply Chain Team and is accountable for supply management of the assigned commodities and product lines. This role will support and work closely with Manufacturing Operations, Vendors, Customer Service, Engineering, Scheduling, Warehouse, and Accounting Departments.

This role will determine and analyze inventory parameters, manage purchase orders, communicate delivery schedules, expedite material, process returns and resolve payment issues. He/She will be responsible for managing and communicating supplier performance problems (sourcing, delivery and quality).

**ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Safety - conduct all activities in a safe manner, utilizing PPE and adhering to company policy and alerting others regarding potential concerns. Safety is # 1.
- Plans all purchased and manufactured/remanufactured parts within responsibility area.
- Coordinate as needed with the Warehouse and Engineering Department for resolution of supplier issues (quality, delivery), or implementation of changes to the supplier base.
- Build, maintain and manage supplier relationships and keep up good communications. Ensure that a professional and consistent approach is taken in relation to all supplier relationships.
- Review and disposition of excess & obsolete inventory.
- Facilitates problem resolutions with Accounts Payable related to purchase orders/ invoicing and pricing.
- Maintains accurate purchase order information in the MRP/ERP system. Confirms and modifies order release due dates, quantities, and closes purchase orders, based on demand.
- Act independently and routinely perform moderately complex planning and problem solving.
- Identify opportunities for cost savings and inventory reduction and actively support implementation as necessary.
- Inventory Management (turns, inventory balance between multiple warehouses).
- Strive to meet goals for: on time delivery, days On-Hand/Inventory Turns, and cost reduction KPI’s.
- Ability to manage, plan and complete tasks within set timeframes.
- Ability to react to the needs of others in a professional and timely manner, often in a fast-paced environment.
- Other Duties as assigned

**QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE**
- High School diploma or equivalent
- 1-2 years of procurement and manufacturing background.
- Solid analytical, planning, interpersonal, and oral/written communication skills.
- Strong negotiation skills
- Knowledge of integrated Supply Chain systems (i.e., MRP/ERP systems).
- Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, & Outlook).