Buyer/Planner

Cohu•San Diego, CA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role is responsible for purchasing and supplier management, including establishing and maintaining supply sources, obtaining quotations, preparing RFQs, and awarding purchase orders based on various criteria. It involves negotiating pricing, contracts, terms, and conditions, as well as evaluating supplier capabilities to mitigate risk. The position also requires maintaining supplier relationships, monitoring performance, and following up on purchase orders to ensure timely delivery. Additionally, the role supports Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) programs and maintains auditable purchasing records. In terms of planning and material management, the Buyer/Planner reviews material requirements and MRP messages, releases purchase orders, monitors inventory levels, and ensures adequate material supply. They identify and resolve material shortages, provide status updates to teams, and manage excess/obsolete inventory. Maintaining ERP system accuracy is also a key responsibility. The role supports New Product Introduction (NPI), R&D, and sustaining production programs by working closely with various departments, managing Engineering Change Notices (ECNs), and coordinating procurement for prototype builds and production launches. Quality and problem resolution include monitoring invoice discrepancies, resolving receiving issues, and supporting processes for non-conforming materials. The Buyer/Planner also participates in Material Review Board (MRB) activities and resolves production, quality, and supply chain issues. Reporting and communication of risks to management are also part of the role. Additional responsibilities include maintaining records, supporting continuous improvement, occasional travel, and performing other assigned duties.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Engineering, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum 5 years of purchasing, planning, and materials management experience in a manufacturing environment.
Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems and supply chain processes.
Previous experience with ERP/MRP systems such as Oracle, SAP, Syspro, or equivalent.
Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
Knowledge of inventory management and production planning principles.
Ability to maintain ethical and professional supplier relationships.
Detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy and accountability.

Nice To Haves

APICS/ASCM Certification (CPIM, CSCP, or equivalent) preferred.
Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), engineering, and production operations preferred.
Experience with contract manufacturing, electro-mechanical products, PCBAs, cable assemblies, or custom manufacturing environments preferred.

Responsibilities

Establish and maintain primary and alternate sources of supply to meet operational, production, and project requirements.
Obtain quotations, prepare and analyze RFQs, and award purchase orders based on price, quality, delivery, service, and supplier performance.
Negotiate pricing, contracts, terms and conditions, and supplier agreements.
Evaluate suppliers' technical, operational, financial, and quality capabilities to mitigate business risk.
Maintain supplier relationships and monitor supplier performance metrics including quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost.
Contact suppliers regarding new products, technologies, and cost reduction opportunities.
Perform purchase order follow-up and expediting activities to ensure delivery commitments are met.
Negotiate settlements related to rejected, damaged, or non-conforming materials when appropriate.
Support Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) programs and supplier inventory initiatives.
Maintain auditable purchasing records consistent with company policies and procedures.
Review material requirements and MRP action messages daily.
Release purchase orders and execute planning actions required to support engineering and production schedules.
Monitor inventory levels and ensure adequate supply of materials to support production and customer requirements.
Schedule and coordinate procurement and delivery of materials and assemblies.
Identify, communicate, and resolve material shortages and supply constraints.
Provide daily shortage status and expedite updates to manufacturing and operations teams.
Perform material reconciliation activities and coordinate returns to inventory when appropriate.
Review and disposition excess, obsolete, and slow-moving inventory.
Maintain ERP system accuracy related to planning, procurement, inventory, and supplier transactions.
Support New Product Introduction (NPI), R&D, and sustaining production programs.
Work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Accounting, and Program Management to meet project objectives and timelines.
Manage Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) and evaluate material impact, inventory exposure, and procurement requirements.
Interpret engineering changes and update planning activities accordingly.
Participate in NPI, ECO, MRB, and cross-functional project meetings.
Coordinate procurement activities to support prototype builds, engineering development, and production launches.
Assist in developing and implementing purchasing and planning policies, procedures, and best practices.
Monitor and resolve invoice discrepancies and receiving issues.
Support processing of non-conforming material requests, Quality Incident Reports (QIDs), Return Material Authorizations (RMAs), and Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs).
Review discrepant materials and participate in Material Review Board (MRB) activities.
Work with suppliers and internal teams to resolve production, quality, and supply chain issues affecting schedules and customer commitments.
Prepare reports and communicate material and supply chain risks to management and stakeholders.
Maintain complete status records, reports, and documentation.
Support continuous improvement.
Travel to supplier locations and company facilities as needed (up to 10%).
Perform other duties as assigned.