Buyer / Planner

Victaulic; Easton (Northampton County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Buyer/Planner to manage supply chains and vendor relationships. This role involves issuing shop and purchase orders, ensuring timely delivery, and optimizing inventory management. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in purchasing and planning, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate effectively across all organizational levels. Join a dynamic team where your contributions will directly impact operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. If you're ready to take on a challenging yet rewarding position, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Purchasing, Planning, Sourcing, or related Supply Chain fields.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills using contemporary tools and methods.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex supply chains and ensure timely delivery of Purchase Orders.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal customers and key vendors.

Skills

Purchasing

Planning

Sourcing

Problem-solving

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical or business discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

Infor M3 ERP system

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION: Buyer/Planner (Outside Processing/Indirect)

LOCATION: Global Materials Department—Supply Chain

REPORTS TO: Purchasing Supervisor

Position Summary

This Buyer/Planner role will be responsible for issuing shop orders, purchase orders, and component planning to meet customer demand, as well as managing outside vendor operations to ensure finished goods are delivered on time. The position will also act as a backup for Indirect purchasing, including Purchase Orders for Maintenance Repair Operations (MRO), Research & Development (R&D), Corporate Services, and Capital Expenditures (CapEx), ensuring timely delivery of Purchase Orders. The individual should be a self-starter who works autonomously with little supervision to carry out Victaulic procurement activities and manage supplier relationships.

Responsibilities:

1. Manage complex supply chains, which may include consignment inventories, VMI, outside supplier operations, and subcontractors, including placing Purchase Orders and/or issuing Shop Orders.
2. Efficiently manage the assigned group of items and suppliers to deliver optimal inventory turns while maintaining high customer service levels.
3. Use available inventory replenishment methods to minimize Slow/Obsolete and scrap inventory and maximize availability of active items.

1. Manage suppliers for indirect materials and services, including but not limited to CapEx, MRO, R&D, sample parts, and services, establishing and maintaining quality, service, and cost benchmarks.
2. Issue purchase orders and track deliveries for materials and services required for engineering labs, manufacturing facilities, and office operations.
3. Manage purchasing card (p-card) activities: consolidate purchases, create leverage, maintain transaction logs, and reconcile statements to ensure internal controls.
4. Proactively resolve problems and discrepancies related to quality, delivery, quantity, and invoicing of purchases.

1. Possess strong problem-solving skills and be comfortable leading a team.

1. Own the tactical day-to-day supplier relationship management.
2. Identify and implement continuous improvements within category responsibilities, job processes, and work procedures.
3. Build and maintain strong relationships with internal customers and key vendors.
4. Participate in special projects and initiatives as appropriate.
5. Be proficient in expediting suppliers and logistics, familiar with impact order management, and escalate issues when necessary.
6. Perform other duties as assigned by the Purchasing Supervisor.

Requirements: (Education, Experience, and Personal Attributes)

1. Bachelor’s degree in a technical or business discipline.
2. Minimum of 5 years of experience in Purchasing, Planning, Sourcing, or related Supply Chain fields.
3. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
4. Comfortable interacting with suppliers, including assertiveness when necessary.
5. Excellent oral and written communication skills—ability to articulate clearly at all organizational levels.
6. Ability to work with multiple global locations and lead cross-functional teams toward common goals.
7. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills using contemporary tools and methods.
8. Willingness to make infrequent overnight travel as needed.

Preferred: (Education, Experience, and Personal Attributes)

1. Familiarity with industrial drawings and schematics.
2. Production planning experience.
3. Understanding of Kanban replenishment.
4. Experience with Infor M3 ERP system.