Senior Buyer/Planner

Ametek, Inc. • Houston, TX

1d

About The Position

The Senior Buyer/Planner plays a critical role in ensuring the flow of materials, components, and services needed to support production and customer demand. The position manages the supply base, focusing on delivery performance, quality, cost optimization, and inventory efficiency. It works in a fast-paced environment and builds supplier relationships while driving continuous improvement across the supply chain.

The role collaborates with production and planning teams to determine material requirements; analyzes demand and inventory; manages purchasing data and purchase orders; sources and negotiates with suppliers; oversees supplier issues and RMAs; optimizes inventory and replenishment processes; supports cost and process improvements; and collaborates with R&D, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Accounts Payable.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in purchasing, planning, or supply chain roles.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills across organizational levels.
• Effective presentation and documentation-writing abilities, including procedures and work instructions.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced proficiency with ERP systems.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, especially Excel for data analysis and PowerPoint for presentations.

Nice To Haves

• APICS, CPIM, or CPSM certification.
• Lean or Lean Six Sigma training and experience with Lean project deployment.
• Experience using AI tools to improve productivity, analysis, and decision-making in day-to-day work.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Production Supervisors and Planners to understand sub-assemblies, production sequences, and material requirements.
• Analyze inventory levels and product demand to determine reorder points and spike-management strategies that ensure availability while minimizing carrying costs.
• Maintain accurate inventory and purchasing data in the ERP system and follow established standard work procedures.
• Prepare and manage purchase orders to support timely delivery and operational needs.
• Procure complex and technical parts, materials, and services, coordinating procurement from initial purchase intent through final delivery.
• Source, evaluate, and engage reliable suppliers and vendors.
• Build and maintain supplier relationships that support quality, cost, and delivery objectives.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts to secure advantageous agreements while balancing cost, quality, and service.
• Lead and manage supplier Return Material Authorizations (RMAs) as needed.
• Resolve supplier issues involving damage claims, rejections, returns, over-shipments, cancellations, and engineering changes.
• Manage and optimize Kanban inventory levels, including CONWIP and other replenishment strategies.
• Conduct inventory analysis and support initiatives to increase inventory turns and reduce overall inventory value.
• Perform spend analysis and support contract planning with key vendors to optimize costs.
• Participate in continuous improvement and value engineering/value analysis efforts with Manufacturing and Design Engineering teams.
• Review procurement-related risks and opportunities and develop proactive mitigation plans.
• Support R&D in identifying and qualifying suppliers for new components or partner manufacturers.
• Assist in developing and implementing supplier qualification processes.
• Work with Accounts Payable to resolve invoice discrepancies and payment issues.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• 401(k) with immediate 100% vesting on company match
• Health, vision, and dental insurance
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Competitive paid time off program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior