Employment Materials Planner/Buyer

Position Summary

We are seeking an outstanding professional for the position of Materials Planner/Buyer. The successful candidate will report to the Director of Operations, as well as work in close collaboration with others within the organization.

Responsible for the company’s materials needs by coordinating all aspects of materials forecasting, inventory planning and purchasing. The Materials Planner/Buyer will be primarily responsible for planning and scheduling production inventory activities to meet customer service level objectives while assuring a continuous production flow at this facility, and will have knowledge and ability to analyze and interpret data, use excel, macros, and ERP systems.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Materials Planner with production/manufacturing buying experience in Medical Device or other highly regulated industry
• Review and create tactics based on changes in forecast and lead time
• Participate in the development of planning strategies and system to improve signals to the supply base
• Monitor and adjust parameters in the planning system
• Analyze and interpret key performance indicators to identify areas for improvement and action plans
• Continuously plan, schedule and manage material supply issues to meet all AOS goals
• Use the planning tools to drive consistent planning signals to the supply base
• Monitor and make purchasing process enhancements to increase inventory turns
• Issue Purchase Orders against suppliers and expedite if needed for both direct and indirect material purchases
• Identify potential supply chain failures as part of the planning process and mitigate associated risks
• Work closely with suppliers to develop short term tactical improvements and long term processes in support of the growing forecast needs
• Support Inventory Coordinator and monitor and adjust the inventory levels as required
• Work closely with Manufacturing, Finance, Engineering, QA and other internal stakeholders
• Based on the rolling forecast and sales orders create work orders for the production lines
• Daily review material planning reports to identify shortages, expedites, and restocking orders
• Generate production materials status and metrics reports
• Support the business to achieve/exceed desired service levels, meet desired lead times and efficiency improvement objectives through the implementation of lean initiatives
• Follow procedures for purchase order issuance, inventory management
• Assures the smooth flow of materials into and through the facility with close interaction with vendor, production scheduling/planning, and manufacturing engineering
• Conduct periodic assessments of suppliers and initiate cost improvement programs to lower costs consistent with quality and service required
• Complete projects and tasks in a flexible and professional manner consistent with corporate objectives. Keep supervisor informed of changes in work schedule and/or workload
• Maintain compliance to GMP systems in coordination with the Document Control and Quality Assurance functions
• Support company goals and objectives, policies, and procedures that comply with FDA Quality System Regulations (QSR), ISO, and any other applicable domestic or international requirements
• Perform other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications

Education, Experience, Special Skills, Abilities, and Requirements:

• Experience in exercising judgment within generally defined practices and policies in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.
• Working only under general direction and functioning as an individual contributor with little or no supervision.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Excellent team player: flexible and easy to work with, results oriented
• B.S. degree in supply chain management, logistics or another related discipline is a plus
• Must have 3 years of professional planning experience which could include: inventory, supply chain management, production planning, distribution and logistics, shipping and receiving, or forecasting
• Solid analytical and problem solving skills
• Must have proven experience working in a fast-paced environment with ability to manage multiple priorities
• Must have solid working knowledge using MRP systems
• Must have strong computer skills, especially using macros, excel with ability to create spreadsheets and perform advanced formulas and functions
• Sense of urgency and willingness to work in a fast-paced environment
• Team player - involves working with different departments
• Very strong computer skills (Excel, Microsoft Office, Macros, etc.)
• Data driven & hands-on approach when necessary
• Strong supply chain understanding

Demonstrated Personal Characteristics

Candidate must be driven to deliver results with the ability to establish rapport, earn trust, and effectively collaborate with others. Essential attributes of the successful candidate is one who:

• Is Action Oriented:
  • Motivated by results
  • Full of energy when faced with challenges
  • Able to make and implement tough decisions
  • “Proactive” as opposed to “reactive”
• Deals with Ambiguity:
  • Can be flexible and adaptable in a complex, changing environment
  • Can comfortably handle risk and uncertainty
• Works Collaboratively:
  • Practices attentive and active listening
  • Has the patience to hear people out and to search for constructive input
• Exemplifies Interpersonal Savvy and Integrity:
  • Relates well to all kinds of people—both inside and outside the company
  • Builds constructive and effective relationships
  • Uses diplomacy and tact
  • Adheres to an appropriate set of core values and beliefs
  • Always acts with uncompromising integrity