08 - Buying/Planning Specialist

Celestica International LP•Maple Grove, MN

5d•$75,000 - $90,000

About The Position

The Buying/Planning Specialist applies in-depth knowledge in a specialized area, working within established professional standards and practices. The role handles problems of moderate scope that require analysis and judgment, works with minimal supervision, and seeks approval for matters outside its scope. Unusual problems are addressed jointly with a manager, and work is reviewed for sound technical judgment. The role may lead a work group or project team and builds relationships with suppliers, customers, and internal service groups to support job responsibilities. The specialist plans and procures materials to meet manufacturing build requirements and customer forecasts. The position maintains material data integrity, validates supplier pricing and costed bills of material, tracks supplier and procurement performance, and coordinates materials through the production cycle. It also supports new product introductions by serving as a customer liaison and introducing products through manufacturing and shipping in accordance with customer requirements.

Requirements

Ability to consolidate, manipulate, and analyze large quantities of data with a high degree of accuracy.
Strong knowledge of basic computer applications and ability to learn department-specific applications, including ERP systems and office suites.
Excellent Excel knowledge, including pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, IFs, SUMIFS, COUNTIFS, SUMPRODUCT, nested formulas, and Power Query.
Extensive knowledge of procurement processes, inventory management, and supplier management.
Knowledge of an electronic manufacturing environment, materials purchased by the department, and the engineering change process.
Good negotiation and problem-resolution skills.
Ability to strategically plan coordinated delivery of a variety of materials.
Ability to handle multiple tasks accurately and maintain attention to detail under tight deadlines.
Ability to evaluate, prioritize, and solve varied tasks to ensure timely and accurate completion.
Effective verbal and written communication with a wide variety of internal and external customers.
Three to six years of relevant experience.
Bachelor's degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Nice To Haves

APICS certification (CPIM, CSCP, or CLTD) is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Validate supplier quotes against customer purchase orders to confirm pricing accuracy and compliance, and resolve discrepancies in supplier invoices and receipts.
Maintain the integrity and accuracy of the Item Master file, updating material data quarterly.
Analyze Bills of Material for cost competitiveness and collaborate with Engineering, Program Management, and Commodity Management to validate costed BOM accuracy and alignment with market trends.
Consolidate, tabulate, and analyze commitment and performance metrics to report supplier effectiveness and procurement status.
Plan and procure materials needed to meet manufacturing build requirements for one or more product lines.
Plan and schedule timely material requirements based on customer forecasts.
Determine material requirements from engineering and production schedules and coordinate material movement throughout the production cycle.
Review requisitions, contact vendors, examine bids, and initiate contracts.
Initiate purchases through the MRP process and determine order timing and quantities based on relevant factors.
Push or cancel orders in accordance with production plans.
Review forecasted requirements and purchase materials accordingly.
Ensure materials are available to meet manufacturing build requirements while aligning material infeed and inventory turnover to avoid excessive inventory.
Help establish new supplier accounts with the finance department and investigate and resolve invoice or supplier issues.
Act as a customer liaison during new product introduction, guiding products through manufacturing to shipping according to customer requirements.