Senior Buyer cum Planner

D&K Engineering Services Sdn Bhd; Ulu Tiram; On-site; MYR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable engineering services firm in Ulu Tiram, Malaysia, seeks a highly skilled Senior Buyer cum Planner to oversee purchasing and planning of materials within supply chain operations. The ideal candidate will have a degree in relevant fields, a minimum of 5 years experience in planning or purchasing roles, and proficiency in ERP systems. Responsibilities include managing supplier relations, ensuring timely deliveries, and maintaining inventory levels to support production schedules. Mandarin-speaking skills are a plus.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in Planning, Materials Planning, Purchasing, or inventory control.
• Mandarin-speaking ability is an advantage.
• Experience with ISO 9001 and ISO 13485.

Responsibilities

• Manage purchasing and planning of materials/products within the supply chain.
• Ensure timely deliveries and efficient inventory management.
• Oversee inventory levels and avoid material shortages.

Skills

Purchasing processes

Planning processes

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

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:

These may include, but are not limited to:

Purchasing & Supplier Management

• 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.

Demand Planning & Order 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.

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, AOS (Assurance of Supply) 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.

Who we're looking for

• Possess at least a Degree in Purchasing, Supply Chain Management, Engineering or Business Management.
• Minimum 5 years of working experience in Planning/ Material Planning/ Purchasing/ inventory control or equivalent experiences.
• Mandarin-speaking ability will be an added advantage for this role.
• Proficient in the use of ERP systems and production/inventory management software.
• Experienced and knowledge in ISO 9001 and ISO 13485.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective production plans and purchasing strategies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; having ability to multitask.
• Ability to drive material planning and purchasing activities for complex programs.
• Ability to take a proactive approach to overcome challenges and achieve results, risk assessment.