Buyer/Planner II

The businesses of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany•St. Louis, MO

2d•$55,000 - $82,300

About The Position

Join our team as a Buyer/Planner II, where you will play a key role in managing material availability, supporting production schedules, and driving operational efficiency. In this role, you’ll work closely with suppliers and cross‑functional teams to optimize purchasing activities, maintain accurate planning data, and ensure materials are delivered on time to keep our operations running seamlessly.

Requirements

1+ year of work experience in any field and 1+ year of planning experience
Proficiency in Microsoft Office; strong Excel skills and advanced functions are highly valued
Strong understanding of purchasing principles, methods, and techniques
Knowledge of Materials Requirements Planning (MRP) and established planning processes
Ability to communicate professionally with internal and external stakeholders at all levels
Strong analytical abilities with the capability to interpret data and support decision‑making
Excellent organizational and time‑management skills
Effective verbal and written communication skills, including professional email etiquette
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment with shifting deadlines

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
Six Sigma or similar process‑improvement training is a plus
1+ year of full‑time purchasing and/or planning experience; biochemical or biotechnical background is a strong advantage
Experience with the Fourth Shift ERP system, or experience with other ERP systems used for purchasing and planning activities

Responsibilities

Plan assigned raw materials by planner code and process purchase orders in the ERP system as needed
Confirm order placement with suppliers, ensuring timely acknowledgment and delivery commitments
Proactively monitor open orders and make decisions to expedite materials to support on‑time delivery
Identify and resolve supplier‑related receiving and invoice discrepancies in a timely manner
Maintain accurate and up‑to-date purchasing records within the ERP system
Execute Requests for Quotes (RFQs), Requests for Information (RFIs), and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) as assigned
Evaluate and qualify new suppliers in accordance with standard operating procedures
Collaborate closely with senior Material Planners and Master Schedulers to independently resolve issues and support material availability
Expedite operations that may delay schedules and adjust plans to accommodate unexpected changes
Analyze plant capacity and production data to determine manufacturing processes and resource requirements
Partner with production, quality, and procurement to review backorder status, prioritize production orders, and mitigate scheduling risks
Coordinate production plans to ensure materials are available according to schedule and provide updates to management
Impact a range of customer, operational, and project activities within the team and with cross‑functional partners
Perform other duties as assigned