Senior Buyer cum Planner

D&K Engineering; Kampung Baru Ulu Tiram; On-site; MYR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Johor, Malaysia, is seeking a skilled Senior Buyer cum Planner to oversee purchasing and planning within the supply chain. The successful candidate will manage purchase orders, liaise with suppliers, and ensure timely deliveries while mitigating risks. Ideal applicants will hold a relevant degree, possess over 5 years of experience and be familiar with ERP systems. This is a great opportunity to enhance inventory management within a dynamic team.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Planning/Material Planning/Purchasing/inventory control.
• Mandarin-speaking ability is an advantage.
• Experience with ISO 9001 and ISO 13485.

Responsibilities

• Manage purchasing and planning of materials/products in supply chain operations.
• Forecast demand and coordinate production schedules.
• Ensure timely deliveries and compliance with internal policies.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

ERP proficiency

Education

Degree in Purchasing, Supply Chain Management, Engineering or Business Management

Tools

ERP systems

Production/inventory management software

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Buyer cum Planner to manage the purchasing and planning of materials/products within our supply chain operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of both purchasing and planning processes, with the ability to ensure timely deliveries, cost-effectiveness, and efficient inventory management.

Essential Functions

• Create, manage, and track purchase orders to ensure materials are ordered on time and meet production requirements.
• Act as the primary liaison with suppliers to ensure smooth communication and resolution of issues related to delivery, quality, cost, and performance.
• Monitor and drive 100% Supplier On-Time Delivery (OTD).
• Monitor supplier lead times and ensure alignment with production and customer delivery expectations.
• Identify and mitigate supplier-related risks and develop contingency plans for potential supply disruptions.
• Ensure all purchasing activities comply with internal policies and external regulatory requirements.

Purchasing & Supplier Management

• Forecast demand, process customer orders, plan materials, and coordinate production schedules to meet business and customer requirements.
• Load customer forecasts and orders into the MRP/ERP system accurately and in a timely manner.
• Serve as the key point of contact for customers on matters related to demand forecasting, order management, material planning, and supply availability.
• Ensure 100% Customer On-Time Delivery (OTD) and adherence to customer-required delivery dates.
• Release work/shop orders in the ERP system and ensure all required materials are issued to production.
• Maintain accurate traceability for all shop orders in the ERP system.

Demand Planning & Order Management

• Oversee inventory levels to ensure sufficient stock to meet demand while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.
• Plan material purchases and inventory in alignment with production schedules to avoid manufacturing delays.
• Identify material shortages and coordinate expediting activities as required.
• Monitor supply and demand alignment in the ERP system and collaborate with buyers to adjust material pull plans (pull-in / push-out).
• Coordinate closely with logistics and warehouse teams to ensure timely receipt, storage, and availability of materials.
• Resolve material shortages and ensure shop orders are executed according to plan.
• Drive initiatives to minimize excess, slow-moving, and obsolete (E&O) inventory.

Material Planning & Inventory Control

• Oversee inventory levels to ensure sufficient stock to meet demand while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.
• Plan material purchases and inventory in alignment with production schedules to avoid manufacturing delays.
• Identify material shortages and coordinate expediting activities as required.
• Monitor supply and demand alignment in the ERP system and collaborate with buyers to adjust material pull plans (pull-in / push-out).
• Coordinate closely with logistics and warehouse teams to ensure timely receipt, storage, and availability of materials.
• Resolve material shortages, Assurance of Supply (AOS) issues, and ensure shop orders are executed according to plan.
• Drive initiatives to minimize excess, slow-moving, and obsolete (E&O) inventory.

Production & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Align purchasing and material plans with production schedules to prevent disruptions.
• Work closely with production, logistics, warehouse, sales, and quality teams to ensure material availability supports forecasts and customer orders.
• Manage and support New Product Introduction (NPI) projects.
• Effectively manage new product transfers and End-of-Life (EOL) activities in accordance with build readiness procedures.
• Ensure timely implementation of all Engineering Change Notifications (ECNs) and that shop orders reflect the latest revisions.

Reporting, Continuous Improvement & Governance

• Generate regular reports on inventory levels, order status, supplier performance, and planning effectiveness for management review.
• Monitor planning KPIs and provide insights on trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Continuously review and improve purchasing and planning processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service levels.
• Conduct comprehensive reviews of planning methodologies and implement process improvements.
• Ensure accurate documentation of purchase orders, contracts, inventory records, and planning data.
• Leverage ERP and planning tools to improve forecasting accuracy, inventory control, and order management.

Leadership & Support

• Mentor and support new team members, providing on-the-job training and day-to-day guidance.
• Participate actively in cross-functional meetings, highlighting supply and demand risks, constraints, and focus areas.
• Adapt flexibly to changing business needs and priorities.
• Manage assigned tasks, ongoing projects, and perform ad-hoc duties as directed by management.

Qualifications

• Degree in Purchasing, Supply Chain Management, Engineering or Business Management.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Planning/Material Planning/Purchasing/inventory control or equivalent.
• Mandarin-speaking ability is an advantage.
• Proficient in the use of ERP systems and production/inventory management software.
• Experience with ISO 9001 and ISO 13485.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective production plans and purchasing strategies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to multitask.
• Ability to drive material planning and purchasing activities for complex programs.
• Proactive approach to overcome challenges and assess risks.