Job Title:  Production Planner/Buyer

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is responsible for coordinating production schedules of assigned production lines, managing inventory, ensuring timely material procurement, and optimizing production processes to meet customer demand efficiently. The role is also responsible for the purchasing execution of sourcing strategies for an assigned commodity portfolio across all Process Instruments locations. Purchase order placement and expediting to ensure material is available to meet production needs are critical.  The Production Planner / Buyer will utilize ERP tools such as MRP to plan material deliveries to minimize item shortages and achieve inventory objectives.

To excel in this role, the Production Planner / Buyer should have a strong background in production planning in a manufacturing environment, as we as experience in purchasing various commodity groups such as PCBA, machined parts, enclosures, and electronics, from domestic and international sources.  Excellent communication, planning, problem solving, and data skills are essential for success.

Production Planning:       

• Develop and maintain production plans by planning, scheduling and coordinating production of assigned production lines to meet sales and operational objectives.
• Manage inventory levels. Track components, raw materials, sub-assemblies, work-in-progress, and finished goods to avoid overstocking or stockouts. 
• Determine material, equipment, and labor requirements by planning for resources needed to meet production goals. 
• Collaborate with other teams. Work closely with production, sales, and engineering teams to ensure smooth operations. 

MRP Planning:       

• Review MRP daily and execute buys for assigned commodity portfolio to meet the plan.
• Address shortages with urgency and communicate expectations to Operations.
• Actively participate in planning meetings with Purchasing and Operations.

Purchase Order Execution:        

• Utilize the ERP system to place Purchase Orders while adhering to the Sourcing strategy to meet production material needs.
• Expedite with urgency all item shortages and vendor missed commitments.
• Work with the Sourcing Manager to align the purchase plan to the strategic plan.
• Work collaboratively and cross-functionally (Operations, Quality, Finance, Engineering, Procurement) to assess current and future purchasing requirements.

Problem Resolution:        

• Work with vendors and Operations to address and resolve shortages or issues with purchase orders that will impact production plans.
• Escalate recurring vendor issues to the Sourcing Manager for assessment and resolution.
• Maintain excellent relationships with all vendors and internal customers.

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

• 3+ years’ Buyer and/or Planner experience in a manufacturing environment.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management or similar is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience planning production in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience executing sourcing strategies.
• Demonstrated experience buying domestically and internationally.
• CPM, APICS, CPSM or equivalent certification preferred.
• Knowledge of purchasing PCBA’s, Machined Parts, Electronics, and Metal Components in a manufacturing setting preferred.
• Highly proficient in data analysis and interpretation and be able to use data to identify trends, develop actionable insights to improve sourcing and procurement processes.
• Limited travel and overtime as needed

CONTACT WITH OTHERS

• Vendors
• Operations
• Quality
• Finance
• Human Resources
• Product Management
• Engineering
• Purchasing
• Sales

ASSIGNMENT AND REVIEW OF WORK

• Priorities and goals as agreed with the Purchasing Manager