Buyer-Production Planner

Buyer-Production Planner

Work directly for a Northern NJ area Innovator in advanced communications solutions. Buyer-Production Planner: Summary: The Buyer Planner is responsible for both purchasing items and planning production to ensure a company meets customer demands efficiently. This role is a combination of a buyer and a production planner, focusing on demand plan from the SIOP process coordinating delivery with suppliers and internal teams.

Primary duties and responsibilities

• Purchasing and Supplier management
• Planning and inventory control
• Analysis and reporting
• Cross-functional collaboration

Purchasing and Supplier management

• Issue purchase orders: Generate and place purchase orders based on production requirements and inventory analysis. Requirements in compliance with the demand plan from the SIOP process
• Manage supplier relationships: Build and maintain strong, productive relationships with suppliers, holding them accountable for on-time delivery and product quality. Coordinates business reviews when necessary
• Resolve issues: Coordinate with suppliers to resolve invoice discrepancies, defective goods, or delivery delays

Planning and inventory control

• Forecasted demand: Performs a cursory analysis based on purchasing and demand history to assess exception messages from the ERP or demand signals
• Manage inventory: Monitor inventory levels for, components, and finished goods to ensure optimal stock without overstocking or stockouts
• Create production schedules: Plan and schedule manufacturing orders to align with sales forecasts, material availability, and customer deadlines
• Coordinate with production: Work with manufacturing teams to manage production schedules, resolve issues, and ensure a smooth flow of materials
• Optimize processes: Implement strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and shorten lead times throughout the supply chain

Analysis and reporting

• Track key metrics: Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time delivery, of major suppliers and Vislink
• Report performance: Prepare and present reports on purchasing activity, supplier performance, and production status to management
• Analyze data: Use data to identify supply chain trends, evaluate supplier performance, and recommend improvements

Cross-functional collaboration

• Communicate with teams: Work closely with sales, marketing, engineering, finance, and logistics departments to ensure alignment on planning and procurement
• Address changes: Communicate changes in delivery dates or product plans to all relevant internal teams

Skills and qualifications:

• Education: A bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience: Five to ten years" experience in planning and purchasing combined
• Technical skills: Proficiency with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems like SAP or Oracle and strong Excel skills are essential.
• Certifications: Relevant certifications such as APICS CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management) are desirable
• Core competencies:
• Analytical skills: Strong ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make informed decisions.
• Negotiation skills: The ability to negotiate effectively with vendors to secure the best delivery options
• Communication skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Organizational skills: Exceptional time-management and organizational skills to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Problem-solving: The ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues quickly and effectively.
• Listed: $100k salary plus benefits