Supply Chain Planner

IKA-WORKS INC•Wilmington, NC

About The Position

IKA is where people turn visions into reality. When IKA’s corporate history began in 1910, China had not yet become a People’s Republic, and the term “globalization” had not yet been coined. Today, the IKA Group employs more than 900 people at multiple locations around the world and proudly serves customers such as BASF, Bayer, and Procter & Gamble. IKA is a global market leader in many of its product groups and a recognized example of innovation, development, and growth. As our slogan states: “IKA – Designed to work perfectly.” IKA is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Supply Chain Planner responsible for the timely procurement of all materials to support manufacturing, sales, and facility operations. Collaborates closely with other Supply Chain team members to make effective decisions and ensure the accurate flow of information regarding suppliers and supplied materials.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related field.
3–7 years of prior experience in supply chain planning.
Hands-on experience with SAP, preferably in Purchasing or Materials Management modules.
1–3 years of administrative experience in manufacturing, procurement, or a related environment.
Strong data entry accuracy and attention to detail.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
Professional communication skills for interacting with vendors and internal departments.
Solid working knowledge of SAP purchasing functions.
High level of accuracy and adherence to system processes.
Detail-oriented with strong follow-through.
Team-oriented with a proactive mindset.

Responsibilities

Arrange the purchase and receipt of all materials to meet organizational demands, considering quality, price, and delivery, while striving to minimize total annual costs.
Evaluate vendor quotes and services to determine the most suitable sources.
Communicate and resolve any sub-standard performance issues with the Materials Manager and maintain or improve relationships with approved vendors.
Assess vendor reliability and suitability to meet supply requirements, set sourcing criteria, and establish vendor approvals and standards. Collaborate with Engineering for authorization of new vendor selections, including work sample evaluations as needed.
Schedule, reschedule, and monitor past-due orders to ensure timely procurement.
Expedite purchase orders to prevent manufacturing delays, and communicate material shortages, unforeseen issues, or changes to relevant departments, including Materials, Production, Sales, Engineering, and Facilities.
Collaborate with other departments to support special projects, such as process units.
Stay informed of trends in material prices and availability, recommending actions to ensure uninterrupted supply for production and sales.
Verify supplier compliance with accepted quotations and contracts and ensure proper closure of purchase orders.
Manage communications with international suppliers.
Coordinate shipments from domestic and international suppliers, ensuring all required documentation is prepared for U.S. Customs for importing and exporting materials.