Buyer/Planner

Wanzl North America; Newton (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Wanzl North America is seeking a Buyer/Planner to handle planning and purchasing of raw materials for production and distribution. This role will manage select suppliers, ensure on-time delivery at competitive pricing, and optimize inventory to maximize turns.

Reporting to the Materials Manager, you will work with multiple teams to maintain seamless supply and efficiency. The ideal candidate has a college degree with 5+ years in a complex manufacturing environment, APICS certification preferred,

Qualifications

• College degree preferred; minimum 5 years in a complex manufacturing environment.
• APICS certification expected or desired for materials planning.
• Strong analytical and leadership abilities with effective communication.
• Able to learn ERP system functions quickly and maintain organized workflows.
• Demonstrated accuracy and teamwork to meet production needs.

Responsibilities

• Analyze data from the MRP system and place orders in a timely manner.
• Communicate shortages and coordinate with CS, manufacturing, schedulers, and others.
• Manage suppliers to reduce costs, improve quality, control inventories, and ensure timely flow of material.
• Monitor KPIs including Purchase Price Variance, inventories, shortages, and supplier performance.
• Manage inventories to ensure continuous production while maximizing turns.
• Expedite material orders as needed.
• Develop knowledge of MRP/ERP systems and apply to daily tasks.
• Travel as necessary and maintain cross-department coordination.
• Assist in cycle counting, inventories, and annual physical inventory.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Communication skills

ERP systems knowledge

Time management

Education

College degree

APICS certification

Tools

MRP/ERP systems

Job description

The Buyer/Planner is responsible for the planning and purchasing of raw material supporting production and distribution. This position will manage select suppliers to ensure on time delivery at competitive pricing while managing inventory levels to prevent shortages and maximize turns. The Buyer Planner will report directly to the Materials Manager.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Analyze data from the MRP system and place orders in a timely manner.
• Communicate/coordinate shortages that could cause delays with Customer Service, Manufacturing team, production schedulers, and other key personnel.
• Manage suppliers to reduce costs, improve quality, control inventories, and ensure timely flow of material.
• Monitor and report key performance metrics, including Purchase Price Variance, inventories, shortages, and supplier performance.
• Manage inventories to ensure continuous production while maximizing turns.
• Expedite material orders as needed.
• Develop a thorough working knowledge of required MRP / ERP systems.
• Able and willing to work necessary hours to meet all project deadlines, travel when necessary.
• Develop mutually beneficial, respectful, and effective relationships with peers to ensure seamless coordination between departments, maximize synergy, and maintain a shared vision, strategy, and focus.
• Other duties as assigned – Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
• Assist in on floor cycle counting and inventory reviews as assigned.
• Assist and support annual physical inventory.

Skills And Experience

• College degree or minimum of 5 years’ experience in a complex manufacturing environment.
• APICS certification and previous international experience desired.
• Strong analytical skills. Effective leadership skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain an organized process for completing work on time.
• Ability to learn ERP system functions quickly.
• Accuracy in work assignments and a strong work ethic as a part of a team.