Buyer / Planner

Lumenier/GetFPV•Palmetto, FL

About The Position

The Buyer/Planner manages purchasing and material planning activities supporting manufacturing, distribution, customer demand, and new product introduction. The role turns forecasts, production requirements, and inventory data into timely supply actions so that materials, components, subassemblies, and finished goods are available in the right quantities and at the right time and overall value. The position owns purchase order execution, supplier communication, material availability, shortage resolution, and inventory planning for assigned categories, working with Production, Engineering, Quality, Inventory Control, Business Development, Customer Service, and Finance to maintain supply continuity, control cost, and improve operational performance. The role manages purchase orders and supplier relationships, evaluates and negotiates commercial terms, and resolves order and invoice discrepancies. It analyzes demand and inventory using ERP/MRP systems, maintains planning parameters, makes replenishment decisions, and coordinates material availability for production, MRO, R&D, and new product launches. It also supports sourcing, cross-functional execution, reporting, and continuous improvement. The position is primarily office-based, with regular interaction in manufacturing, warehouse, and inventory areas and occasional visits to supplier facilities. The work includes prolonged desk and computer use, communication by phone, video, email, and in person, and occasional standing, walking, bending, reaching, and handling parts or packages. Overtime or schedule flexibility may be required to support production deadlines, international suppliers, urgent shortages, or supplier issues.

Requirements

Three to five years of hands-on experience in purchasing, material planning, inventory management, or a related supply chain role; manufacturing, aerospace, defense, electronics, or high-precision experience is preferred.
Working knowledge of purchasing, inventory control, demand planning, MRP, ERP, supplier management, and basic contract terms.
Ability to analyze requirements, manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and respond effectively to changing demand or supply conditions.
Strong negotiation, problem-solving, organizational, analytical, written communication, and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and ERP systems.
High attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate, auditable records.
Ability to work collaboratively across functions and communicate clearly with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Flexible work schedule and overtime availability to address the international supply base as required.
A bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field is preferred; equivalent education and relevant experience may be considered.

Nice To Haves

International sourcing experience, preferably involving suppliers in China.
Experience with import duties, tariffs, HTC classifications, customs documentation, and related international trade requirements.
Experience purchasing drone, aerospace, electronics, carbon fiber, propulsion, mechanical, or other engineered components.
Knowledge of AS9100, ISO quality systems, FAA requirements, NDAA considerations, DFARS requirements, government contracting, or related compliance expectations.
Experience with strategic sourcing, supplier development, new product introduction, engineering changes, and product lifecycle management.
Experience with forecasting, purchase suggestions, standard costing, purchase price variance, vendor-managed inventory, Kanban, two-bin, or other replenishment methods.
APICS/ASCM, CPSM, Lean, Six Sigma, or comparable supply chain or continuous-improvement certification.
Strong work ethic and demonstrated commitment to Lumenier’s core value of “getting the job done.”

Responsibilities

Create, release, manage, and close purchase orders and appropriate blanket purchase agreements in accordance with approved requirements and company policies.
Confirm that export and import documents meet requirements for international shipments.
Obtain and evaluate supplier quotations, pricing, availability, lead times, minimum order quantities, payment and freight terms, and other commercial conditions.
Negotiate pricing, delivery, quality, and terms within established authority, considering total value, import duties, and tariffs.
Manage open orders from placement through receipt; expedite, defer, pull in, reschedule, or cancel orders as business needs change.
Resolve order, receiving, pricing, invoice, quantity, and specification discrepancies with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Maintain accurate procurement records, supplier correspondence, acknowledgments, and supporting documentation.
Analyze forecasts, production schedules, customer requirements, historical usage, lead times, and inventory positions to determine material requirements.
Use ERP and MRP tools, including exception messages and purchase suggestions, to identify shortages, excess inventory, late supply, and required planning actions.
Define and maintain planning parameters such as lead time, order quantity, safety stock, reorder points, and stocking policies for assigned items.
Balance service, production continuity, cash requirements, and obsolescence risk when making replenishment decisions.
Coordinate material availability for production schedules, non-stock requirements, ready-to-fly production, MRO needs, R&D activity, and new product launches.
Manage backorders, substitutions, allocations, and supply constraints; communicate risks and recovery plans promptly.
Identify, evaluate, select, qualify, and onboard suppliers with Category Management, Quality, and other stakeholders.
Develop supplier relationships and serve as the day-to-day commercial contact for assigned suppliers and categories.
Monitor supplier delivery, quality, responsiveness, cost, and service performance; address deficiencies and support corrective actions.
Source alternate suppliers and equivalent materials to reduce supply risk, improve lead time, and support cost-reduction objectives.
Support supplier agreements, vendor-managed inventory, economic order quantity, and replenishment programs when beneficial.
Partner with Engineering and suppliers on specifications, bills of material, engineering changes, product lifecycle transitions, and new product introductions.
Collaborate across Production, Scheduling, Quality, Warehouse, Inventory Control, Customer Service, Business Development, and Finance to resolve supply and order issues.
Respond to questions about product availability, shipment status, returns, backorders, substitutes, and expected delivery dates.
Coordinate non-stock purchasing and support quoting and order management activities as assigned.
Track and communicate inventory status, shortages, open-order risk, supplier performance, purchase price variance, lead-time improvement, and cost-saving opportunities.
Analyze data and recommend actions to improve forecast accuracy, inventory effectiveness, procurement efficiency, and supplier performance.
Support standard-cost updates, budgeting, cash-flow planning, payment-term improvements, and cross-functional business reviews as requested.
Participate in continuous improvement involving purchasing processes, material flow, ERP/MRP use, reporting, and internal controls.
Monitor market conditions, supplier capacity, business-practice changes, and new or alternative materials relevant to assigned categories.