Subcontract Buyer/Planner

Victaulic•Easton, PA

59d•Onsite

About The Position

Victaulic is seeking a Subcontract Buyer/Planner to manage subcontracted work and purchased inventory to ensure they stay on schedule for projects and commitments. This role acts as a key liaison between internal project teams and external trade vendors, ensuring subcontractors meet scope, quality, and delivery deadlines while resolving any issues before they impact the customer. On the planning side, the position involves managing safety stock, Kanban, and ERP data to maintain adequate stock levels for active items without creating excess inventory. This role requires close collaboration with various departments including project management, engineering, quality, and sourcing to keep all commitments on track.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree (4-yr) and/or equivalent experience.
Minimum 3 years of experience in Buying or Planning, Material Control, Subcontract Administration, or related fields.
In-depth knowledge of ERP and/or material planning systems required (BPCS and/or M3).
Proficient in Microsoft Office.
Strong analytical problem-solving ability.
Good oral and written communication skills, with the ability to negotiate and hold subcontractors accountable to contractual commitments.
Experience with purchase order and contract administration, including payment approvals and change orders.
Willing to make infrequent overnight travel.
Demonstrates successful experience in Kanban, including establishing safety stock positions, best stocking locations, and Kanban lot sizes.
Strong problem-solving skills and comfort leading a team; works well in a team environment using several problem-solving techniques.
Maintains a customer-service-driven approach.

Nice To Haves

Completed or working towards a Master's Degree or Supply Chain Certification.
Six Sigma trained or certified (Black or Green Belt).

Responsibilities

Serve as the critical link between internal project management and external trade vendors, owning subcontracted projects through completion once subcontractors have been sourced and secured by internal sourcing agents.
Work closely with internal sourcing agents throughout the subcontract lifecycle to ensure a smooth handoff and continued alignment on subcontractor performance, scope changes, and vendor relationship management.
Work cross-functionally in and outside the organization to identify and manage the scope of projects; issue and manage subcontract purchase orders, shop orders, and component planning to meet customer demand.
Monitor subcontractor performance, quality, and on-time delivery; manage capacity constraints and reallocate work across subcontractors as needed; coordinate with engineering and quality on specifications and compliance requirements.
Own the day-to-day tactical relationship with subcontractors, holding them accountable to contractual scope, quality standards, and delivery timelines while efficiently managing the assigned group of items and suppliers.
Proactively identify and resolve discrepancies related to cost, delivery, quantity, and invoicing.
Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities within subcontract management and administration processes; route cost reduction and avoidance opportunities to the appropriate sourcing or commodity owners.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal project teams, internal sourcing agents, and subcontractors to ensure smooth project execution.
Work cross-functionally with suppliers and stakeholders to establish lead times and delivery schedules, actively monitor those schedules, and report out on subcontractor and supplier performance.
Use available inventory replenishment methods and practices to ensure minimum SLOB (slow/obsolete) and scrap inventory and maximum availability of inventory for active items, including strategic inventory hedge builds and new product introduction support.
Establish safety stock positions, best stocking locations, and Kanban lot sizes.
Develop and manage the various databases needed to ensure systems work smoothly, including Kanban, MRP, Wait-Work sheets, Safety Stock, BPCS/CIC/BPA, and lead-times.
Expedite suppliers and logistics and remain familiar with impact order management, escalating when necessary.
Resolve problems and discrepancies with quality, delivery dates, quantity, and invoicing of purchased commodities using a 360-degree material planning approach.
Practice lead-time suppression and remain alert to removing waste from the process (lean).
Act as trainer/mentor for newer Buyer/Planners.
Understand and compile assigned reports for the Purchasing Team.
Actively pursue and engage in projects and process improvement opportunities; participate in the quality improvement process to resolve problems in the work environment.
Be available for evening and weekend communication with overseas team members or suppliers as occasionally required.