Buyer/Planner Division: Aftermarket & Accessories Location: Piedmont Position Summary: The Materials Buyer-Planner plays a crucial role in our manufacturing plant by ensuring the efficient procurement and management of materials needed for production. This position primarily focuses on tactical procurement and detailed planning to maintain optimal inventory levels, minimize costs, and meet production demands. The Materials Buyer-Planner is responsible for coordinating with suppliers, monitoring inventory, and maintaining accurate records to support the smooth and cost-effective operation of the manufacturing plant. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Inventory Management: o Maintain an optimal level of inventory to meet production requirements while minimizing carrying costs and preventing shortages. o Monitor inventory levels and replenish materials as needed. o Identify slow-moving or obsolete inventory items and take appropriate action. • Production Planning: o Collaborate with production teams to develop and maintain production schedules. o Ensure materials are available in the right quantities and at the right time to support production. • Procurement: o Partner with Strategic Sourcing team(s) as necessary to source, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers to obtain the best materials, quality, and price. o Create and manage purchase orders, ensuring timely delivery of materials. • Supplier Relationships: o Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers. o Resolve supplier-related issues and discrepancies in a timely and professional manner. • Cost Control: o Continuously analyze market trends and pricing to identify cost-saving opportunities. o Implement cost-effective procurement strategies and cost reduction initiatives. • Documentation and Recordkeeping: o Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of procurement activities and inventory levels. o Generate reports for management to evaluate performance and make informed decisions. • Quality Control: o Collaborate with Supplier Quality team(s) to ensure materials procured meet quality and safety standards. o Collaborate with quality control teams to address any quality issues with suppliers. • Compliance: o Stay informed about relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards related to procurement and materials management. o Ensure compliance with company policies and ethical standards in procurement practices. Required Qualifications: • Education: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field is preferred. Relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of formal education. • Experience: o A minimum of 3-5+ years of experience in materials procurement and planning within a manufacturing environment. o Demonstrated experience in negotiating with suppliers and managing inventory. • Knowledge and Skills: o Strong understanding of supply chain management, procurement strategies, and inventory control. o Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. o Proficiency in using procurement and inventory management software (ERP Systems and Advanced Microsoft Excel). o Strong communication and negotiation skills. o Ability to work effectively in a team and independently. o Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. o Knowledge of industry regulations and compliance standards. • Certifications: Professional certifications in supply chain or procurement (e.g., Certified Professional in Supply Management, Certified Supply Chain Professional) are a plus