Inventory Planning Buyer Planner

Job Description 80% of Time -- Essential Functions/Major Responsibilities - Buyer: Establishes new and alternate sources of supply to meet existing requirements; obtains quotations from supplier sources for the purchase of materials, components, equipment or services; and awards purchase orders to suppliers on the basis of price, performance, service, terms, etc. Evaluates the technical, management and financial capabilities of suppliers as required to minimize Company risk. Negotiates complex purchasing contracts and maintains auditable records consistent with Company policy and procedures. Recommends products to be considered for volume agreements. Contacts suppliers and manufacturers to obtain information on new products and methods to reduce operating and material costs as well as cycle time. May negotiate settlement with suppliers on rejected or damaged materials. Performs follow-up and expediting functions ensure schedules are adhered to. Maintains complete status information, data and necessary paperwork and generates related reports. Dispositions excess and obsolete materials. Manages ECNs as they pertain to purchase part status. Assists with developing and implementing policies and procedures as required. Provides interface between suppliers and other departments. Reviews supplier metrics and works with supplier base to maintain the required delivery and quality levels. May travel to supplier sites in the US and internationally up to 10% of time. 20% of Time - Essential Functions/Major Responsibilities - Planner: Reviews material status in ERP system to monitor P.O.s and OTD to support the product development and the production schedules. Responsible for action upon order release action and exception messages from the system. Schedule and coordinate procurement of necessary materials and/or assemblies deliveries to meet production schedules. Status all shortages and expedite details to manufacturing daily. Responsible for material reconciliation and material returns to stock. Interpret ECN's to determine new requirements for materials and correct BOM errors. Review discrepant materials from manufacturing and process through the material review board. Communicate problems that will impact production requirements.Work with departments to solve production and/or material problems that might affect production requirements. Prepare status reports as required. Responsible for inventory level of materials planned and managed; includes review and disposition of obsolete inventory. Other duties as assigned. Supervisory Responsibility: May provide work leadership or direction to lower level employees. Qualifications: Education: Bachelors degree in Business or related field, or equivalent experience. APICS certification preferred. Experience: Five or more years of experience in purchasing and materials planning in a technical manufacturing environment. Prefer industry experience with electro-mechanical components/products/equipment/machinery. Qualified candidates will have experience with contract manufacturing in a New Product Introduction or engineering/manufacturing environment (contract manufacturing experience such as cable & harness assemblies, PCBAs, and custom box builds. Requires proficiency in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as Oracle or SAP or other similar enterprise-wide platform. Skills/Technical Requirements : Proficient with MRP systems; Oracle experience preferred but not required. Good oral and written communication skills, basic math skills. Must have strong organizational skills and be detail oriented. Proficiency with MS Windows and MS Office suite of products including Word and Excel. Ability to maintain impartial and ethical relationship with suppliers in line with Company policy. Requires ability to travel to supplier and other company sites as required, up to 10% of time. Job Conditions: Office environment. Physical Demands/Strengths: Walking, sitting, standing. Able to sit at computer terminal for prolonged period, use keyboard. Protective Devices Required: In designated areas.