Buyer/Planner

Avantor•Phillipsburg, NJ

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Avantor is looking for a Buyer/Planner to manage all aspects of production planning including the development of detailed production schedules, campaign schedules, and material requirements planning. The Buyer/Planner reports to the Site Planning Leader with preparing the master production schedule, while responsible for preparing 4 week detailed daily schedule on a weekly basis. They also purchase materials, packaging components, parts and supplies as needed, and work closely with the strategic sourcing, production, quality, procurement, distribution, product management, marketing & sales, and customer service departments. This is a full-time position based onsite at our Phillipsburg, NJ location.

Requirements

BA/BS required in supply chain management or related field.
Understands the financial impact of planning on variances, customer service and inventory investment.
Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years in production planning.
Experience utilizing SAP for planning/material movement preferred.
Excellent with multi-tasking, follow-up, and execution of assignments.
Excellent computer skills: Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Strong analytical and interpersonal skills with ability to effectively work in a team environment
Comprehensive knowledge of MRP systems.
Demonstrated ability to effectively plan and manage/multiple SKUs.
Excellent problem solving, time management and prioritization skills.
Ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent listening, written and verbal communication skills.
Strong sense of urgency, initiative, detail oriented and solution focused.

Nice To Haves

APICS/ASCM certification a plus.
Chemical/or pharmaceutical experience preferred.
Experience in a regulated environment such as cGMP, ISO, or FDA is a plus.
Experience in planning in an asset- or raw material-constrained environment desired.

Responsibilities

Supports breaking the master production schedule down into finite production asset plans for 1 to 4 week frozen planning horizon as well as 4-8 week fluid planning horizon.
Coordinates preparation for production schedules and material orders; communicates production plans effectively across the organization.
Works closely with other planners in related areas or plants to coordinate purchases to cover overall demand.
Monitors and adjusts schedules to respond to market/production requirements and optimizes costs.
Reviews forecast and master data to close supply gaps before they impact customers.
Analyzes and evaluates inventory and delivery problems; recommends solutions as appropriate.
Communicates as needed with manufacturing, customer service, quality, marketing and distribution departments regarding product availability and delivery schedules.
Demonstrates and maintains effective cost reduction strategies.
Maintains production metrics.
Issues SAP process orders and controls report backs from operations teams.
Responsible for alignment of production assets and resources for weekly production schedule.
Reports out production rates, asset up time and asset utilization on a regular basis.
Serves as a backup for other Planners/Schedulers across North American facilities as needed.
Develops and implements programs to create, validate, and maintain system data necessary to fully utilize the MRP capabilities of SAP.
Improves the responsiveness of the operation through managing lead times and collaborating with stakeholders to improve the supply chain.
Establishes and deploys best practices to ensure customer and business expectations are met for all Make to Stock, Make to order, and Package to Order product strategies.
Manages purchasing activities, including but not limited to: a. Places purchase orders with vendors based upon sales orders and established inventory settings; b. Reconciles invoices as required; c. Minimizes inventory to reduce working capital while maximizing service level to the customer; d. Return to vendor goods not meeting Avantor specifications, received damaged, or otherwise not usable.
Performs other duties as assigned.