Buyer/Planner

FAREVA RICHMOND INC•Richmond, VA

5d•$65,000 - $75,000•Onsite

About The Position

Fareva is a contract manufacturer of pharmaceutical and personal care products. The Buyer/Planner plans, prepares, and communicates production schedules, ensuring that production plans support work-in-process (WIP) and finished-goods inventory goals, schedule adherence, and timely order releases. The position is based at Fareva’s climate-controlled facility in Richmond, Virginia. The role uses SAP and MRP processes to plan production, review capacity and material needs, manage supplier purchase orders, maintain planning and item data, and support inventory targets. It coordinates regularly with Operations, Customer Service, Project Managers, BOM Specialists, suppliers, and other functions to meet customer requirements, manage supply risks, and support operational KPIs. The role also ensures compliance with cGMPs and applicable quality requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred, or 3–5 years of relevant planning or supply chain experience; minimum 7–10 years of purchasing experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, or an equivalent combination of related education and experience.
In-depth understanding of the MRP planning process and its operation within an ERP system.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Basic knowledge of inventory management principles.
Ability to understand SAP functionality and execute transactions to manage inventory.
Ability to understand business needs and prioritize daily tasks to support operational efficiency.
Ability to understand and retain procedural knowledge to perform the job effectively.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Ability to use PC software such as Word and Excel; familiarity with database software is useful.
Ability to partner with Customer Service to support operations and customer relations.
Treat others with respect.
Superior organization skills to process and maintain manual material requirements.
Strong analytical skills, including collecting and researching data, identifying and resolving problems in a timely manner, and developing alternative solutions.
Familiarity with ERP systems.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as engineering drawings, work orders, bills of material, and ISO 9001 procedures.
Ability to work well with others in a team environment, maintain a positive attitude, and influence team members to exceed expectations.
Familiarity with raw material and chemical commodities.

Nice To Haves

SAP experience.
APICS certification.
Database software experience.

Responsibilities

Prepare finite production schedules in SAP and review capacity for each scheduled line.
Manage available capacity with Operations to support long-term customer needs.
Communicate the production schedule by close of business every Thursday for the following two weeks.
Maintain a two-week frozen schedule in which all orders have required raw materials and components onsite.
Release orders in the two-week frozen schedule by close of business every Thursday.
Track and ensure finished-goods releases to support customer orders and the 97% OTIF target.
Plan production to maintain appropriate WIP levels.
Update Sales Orders daily with assigned batches.
Coordinate production to optimize the phasing in and out of new materials with Customer Service and Project Managers.
Manage BOM priorities with BOM Specialists, including attending priority meetings.
Communicate remnant inventory to Customer Service.
Maintain SAP parameter information, including capacity and minimum order quantity (MOQ).
Keep item master and purchase order system information accurate and current.
Review MRP purchase requisitions and exception reports to determine material requirements and take appropriate action.
Support inventory targets while minimizing exposure.
Manage supplier purchase order reschedules as requirements change, and communicate and confirm delivery commitments with appropriate personnel.
Develop material concerns and support actions to mitigate risk.
Contact suppliers about material shortages and escalate to management in advance of potential customer impact.
Ensure process orders, inventory management, and non-routine production comply with cGMPs and additional QA requirements.
Participate in cross-functional teams to resolve supply issues.
Schedule and accommodate project work, collaborating with Customer Service and Project Managers to meet timelines.
Maintain FERT/HALB SKU information in SAP to ensure data integrity and communication.
Undertake special projects and other duties as assigned.
Provide notes from meetings hosted or ensure that note-taking is delegated.
Collaborate toward KPI goals, including OTIF, WOC, EBIT, and OEE.