Planner / Buyer III

Galvion•Newport, VT

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Planner / Buyer is responsible for planning, purchasing, and coordinating the supply of raw materials, components, and indirect goods and services to support production and operational continuity. The role coordinates with Production, Quality, R&D, Master Planning, and other teams; manages purchase orders and supplier performance; expedites critical deliveries; and optimizes inventory. It also supports supplier development, cost-reduction efforts, and continuous process improvements in line with quality standards, production schedules, and business objectives. The position reviews MRP requirements, plans material needs, negotiates purchasing terms, creates and tracks purchase orders, monitors receipts, and communicates availability and delivery risks. It maintains accurate ERP/MRP data and supports inventory forecasting, supplier replenishment, demand and capacity planning, and supplier stocking programs. The Planner / Buyer monitors supplier delivery, quality, cost, and responsiveness; follows up on corrective actions; supports cost-reduction and risk-mitigation initiatives; and participates in Lean and continuous improvement activities. The role also supports RMA and SCAR activities and ensures procurement complies with relevant regulations, company policies, and ethical standards. The work is office-based within a manufacturing facility, with on-site presence required five days per week. The role regularly interacts with Production, Planning, Purchasing, Inventory, Quality, other cross-functional teams, and suppliers.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in purchasing, material planning, or a related supply chain function.
Associate’s degree required.
Strong understanding of MRP processes and factors that affect MRP accuracy and efficiency.
Experience working in a manufacturing environment.
Experience using ERP operating software.
Strong Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
Experience with Lean initiatives.
Familiarity with ISO requirements.
Self-motivated and proactive, with strong attention to detail.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a manufacturing environment.
Ability to learn new products, materials, and processes quickly.
Strong teamwork skills and ability to work effectively across departments.
Ability to build and maintain effective supplier relationships.
Ability to negotiate effectively with suppliers.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Economics, or a related field.
Experience with Infor or D365 ERP software.
Experience purchasing injection plastic components, soft goods, and raw materials.
Military experience.

Responsibilities

Review MRP requirements and coordinate purchasing activities for production, maintenance, R&D, and office needs.
Collaborate with the Senior Planner/Master Planner and Inventory team to maintain appropriate stock levels and prevent shortages or excess inventory.
Analyze material demands and determine purchasing and inventory requirements.
Obtain supplier quotations and negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, freight, and other purchasing conditions.
Identify, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers to secure advantageous terms and agreements.
Create, place, maintain, and track purchase orders in the ERP system, including supplier commitments and incoming receipts.
Expedite late or critical materials, communicate revised receipt dates, and provide stakeholders with updates on availability and delivery risks.
Provide management with a weekly purchase order status report and communicate purchasing outcomes and supplier commitments to internal customers.
Purchase materials, tooling, molds, dies, equipment, and equipment revisions as required.
Reconcile discrepancies between supplier shipments, purchase orders, and invoices.
Maintain accurate ERP/MRP data, including supplier lead times, standard costs, shelf life, lot sizes, minimum order quantities, and purchase order receipt dates.
Identify and address system or data issues that could affect MRP accuracy or efficiency.
Support inventory forecasting, supplier replenishment, supplier demand planning, and supplier capacity planning.
Help the Material Coordinator and Inventory team maintain appropriate stock levels for regularly used materials.
Develop supplier partnerships, including supplier stocking programs where applicable.
Monitor supplier on-time delivery, quality, cost, responsiveness, and other performance indicators; report metrics and follow up on performance.
Work with suppliers to implement corrective actions and continually improve supplier performance.
Participate in purchasing and freight cost-reduction initiatives and implement cost-effective purchasing strategies without compromising quality or reliability.
Identify opportunities to improve supplier performance, purchasing costs, inventory levels, and procurement effectiveness.
Identify supply chain risks, communicate issues that could affect operations, and support contingency planning for supply disruptions.
Evaluate supplier capability and capacity when new demands arise.
Suggest improvements to purchasing and planning systems and processes, and participate in Lean and continuous improvement activities.
Ensure procurement activities comply with relevant regulations, company policies, and ethical standards.
Work with suppliers and Quality on Return Material Authorization activities and support Supplier Corrective Action Requests, including follow-up on supplier responses and corrective actions.