Buyer/Planner

ProDriven Global Brands•Crystal Lake, IL

5d•$65,440 - $89,980•Onsite

About The Position

The Buyer/Planner is responsible for coordinating material planning and purchasing activities to support production requirements at a metal manufacturing facility. This role ensures timely availability of raw materials, fabricated components, consumables, and outside-processed parts by executing MRP-driven planning, purchase order management, and supplier coordination. The Buyer/Planner contributes directly to production schedule adherence, inventory optimization, cost reduction, and supplier performance improvement through strong analytical, sourcing, and planning capabilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related field; OR equivalent planning/purchasing experience.
Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in buying or planning within a manufacturing environment; metal fabrication experience preferred.
Working knowledge of MRP/ERP systems required.
Strong understanding of MRP, inventory control, and purchasing processes.
Ability to read bills of materials (BOMs), understand routings, and interpret basic manufacturing drawings.
Excellent communication and vendor‑management skills.
Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities; proficiency in Excel and data analysis.
Ability to prioritize daily tasks and manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Nice To Haves

APICS/ASCM (CPIM or CSCP) certification preferred or willingness to pursue.

Responsibilities

Execute MRP/MPS outputs and convert planned orders into purchase orders to support production schedules.
Maintain accurate planning parameters (lead times, lot sizes, safety stock, reorder points) to ensure reliable material flow.
Monitor material availability, identify shortages, and escalate issues that could impact production.
Review and react to MRP exception messages, including expedite, defer, cancel, and reschedule actions.
Coordinate with production, warehouse, and engineering to ensure material readiness for scheduled work orders.
Procure raw materials (sheet steel, bar, plate, coil, tubing), hardware, consumables, and outsourced processing services (e.g., heat treat, plating, coating).
Request and analyze supplier quotations to support cost, quality, and lead-time objectives.
Manage purchase orders from creation through delivery, including expediting and updating due dates as needed.
Ensure alignment between purchasing decisions and production requirements, balancing cost efficiency with service level needs.
Maintain positive relationships with suppliers to ensure dependable quality, delivery, and cost competitiveness.
Monitor supplier delivery performance and quality; communicate and resolve issues proactively.
Support supplier development efforts by providing feedback on KPIs and participating in corrective action discussions.
Coordinate with suppliers on changes to specifications, delivery schedules, and packaging requirements.
Support Engineering Change Notifications (ECNs) by assessing material impacts and updating purchase and planning actions accordingly.
Collaborate on initiatives to improve material presentation, storage, and flow—reducing waste and improving efficiency.
Analyze material usage, inventory trends, and spend data to identify cost reduction and consolidation opportunities.
Participate in continuous improvement activities related to planning accuracy, material flow, and inventory optimization.
Utilize ERP/MRP systems to manage purchase orders, item masters, supplier records, and planning data.
Maintain compliance with procurement and planning policies, internal controls, and audit requirements.
Prepare reports and dashboards related to material status, shortages, inventory metrics, and supplier performance.
Perform additional duties as assigned by management.