Buyer Planner

AFL Telecommunications•Duncan, SC

20h

About The Position

The Buyer Planner is responsible for planning, scheduling, procuring, and expediting raw materials and finished goods in support of the manufacturing organization. The role uses effective procurement practices and supplier management to secure optimal pricing while supporting cost reduction, quality improvement, on-time delivery, inventory management, and lead-time reduction. It also contributes forecasts to the Business Planning Cycle and adheres to AFL’s environmental, health, and safety policies.

Requirements

2–5 years of experience in material planning and purchasing.
Solid understanding of materials operations, materials planning, and inventory control in a lean manufacturing environment.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong business partnerships.
Self-starter with good time-management skills and the ability to thrive with limited supervision.
Results-oriented and capable of meeting goals in a challenging environment.
Self-confidence and integrity.
Problem-solving ability and strong analytical skills.
Intermediate or higher proficiency with MS Office.

Nice To Haves

Material planning and purchasing experience in the telecommunications industry.
International buying or purchasing experience.
Production scheduling experience.

Responsibilities

Own the procurement process, including creating requisitions, ordering, expediting, ensuring on-time delivery, and processing returns.
Plan material needs for production and facility operations.
Analyze and adjust inventory levels in response to customer demand, lead-time changes, and other initiatives.
Use the Materials Requirements Planning System and other planning tools, or develop tools as needed.
Work with Quality and Manufacturing to monitor and correct supplier non-conformance issues.
Communicate with vendors about pricing, material availability, delivery timelines, and supplier visits; negotiate prices as needed.
Develop and execute vendor supply agreements.
Ensure purchase orders are clearly defined, entered, and updated accurately and promptly.
Proactively plan future raw material requirements, considering new product launch timing and upcoming product-mix changes.
Continuously improve supplier delivery, quality, and service.
Communicate supplier problems involving delivery, quality, service, or pricing and ensure timely resolution.
Research and establish relationships with potential vendors to develop new or additional raw-material sources.
Handle MRO procurement.
Provide annual volume, pricing, and trend forecasts for the Business Planning Cycle.
Adhere to and promote AFL’s environmental, health, and safety policies.