Materials Planner/Buyer

GE HealthCare•Arlington Heights, IL

2d•$95,040 - $142,560•Onsite

About The Position

The Materials Planner/Buyer is responsible for planning, procuring, and managing raw materials, packaging components, consumables, and indirect materials required to support manufacturing operations. This position ensures uninterrupted material availability, inventory optimization, supplier performance, and alignment with production schedules while achieving cost, quality, and compliance objectives. The role serves as a critical link between Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Sourcing, Logistics, and Finance to maintain continuity of supply and support business objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or Engineering.
Minimum 2 years of experience in GMP materials planning, purchasing, procurement, inventory management.
Experience utilizing ERP/MRP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or equivalent.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Power BI and data analysis tools.
Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional JIT manufacturing environment.

Nice To Haves

3-5 years of experience in materials planning and procurement.
Experience in pharmaceutical, medical device, healthcare regulated manufacturing environments.
APICS CPIM, CMRP, CPSM, CSCP, or related certification.
Knowledge of GMP, CFR, FDA, ISO requirements.
Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma experience.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute material requirements plans (MRP) based on forecasted demand and production schedules.
Create, manage, and expedite purchase orders to ensure timely material availability using reorder points, planning parameters, and inventory strategies.
Monitor supplier performance, delivery schedules, lead times, and capacity constraints.
Resolve material shortages, backorders, and supply disruptions through proactive supplier engagement.
Support new product introductions, product transfers, and validation activities.
Maintain optimal inventory levels while balancing service levels, working capital, shelf life, safety stock and storage constraints.
Analyze inventory trends and implement actions to reduce excess and obsolete materials.
Support cycle counts, physical inventories, and reconciliation activities.
Investigate inventory discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
Collaborate with Sourcing, Supplier Quality, and Engineering to mitigate supply risks.
Support supplier qualification, dual-sourcing initiatives, and contingency planning.
Escalate supply chain risks and develop action plans to protect production schedules.
Maintain accurate material master data including lead times, safety stock levels, source lists, planning parameters, and purchasing information records.
Generate reports and analyze planning data to drive informed decision-making.
Participate in cross-functional meetings to communicate material status, risks, and mitigation plans.
Drive Lean Manufacturing and process improvement initiatives through standard work and daily management system.
Ensure compliance with Quality Systems, GMP, CFR, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Participate and author investigations, deviations, CAPAs, change controls, and risk assessments as required.
Maintain accurate and complete documentation supporting material and purchasing activities end to end.
Support internal and external audits.