Buyer/Planner

LB Foster; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

LB Foster is seeking a Buyer/Planner I in Pittsburgh to purchase materials from approved suppliers, schedule production, and release work orders to meet demand. The role manages inbound logistics and uses TMS to optimize carrier selection for cost efficiency and service levels.

Ideal candidates have ERP/MRP experience, strong MS Office skills, and excellent communication. Travel may be required as part of this position.

Qualifications

• Travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Manages ERP material planning by creating, releasing, and maintaining POs and work orders to support demand.
• Manages ERP production planning by creating, releasing, and maintaining work orders to support customer demand with optimized planning.
• Supports inventory targets by informed buying, monitoring inventory levels, and using tools like consigned or vendor-managed inventory.
• Identifies cost reduction opportunities through optimized processes, leveraging spend and supplier collaboration.
• Manages relationships with LB Foster domestic and international supply bases.
• Manages inbound material using TMS, selects carriers for best price/service, files damage claims.
• Ensures compliance with standards and local regulations for assigned locations.
• Facilitates information flow between internal departments and suppliers.
• All other duties as assigned.

Skills

MS Word

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Communication

Time management

ERP SAP

Education

Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Supply Chain, or related field

Tools

SAP or other ERP

Job description

The Buyer/Planner I is responsible for purchasing materials and supplies from an approved supplier list. Scheduling production and releasing work orders to support plant capacity and customer requirements. Managing inbound logistics for purchased material from supply base, utilizing Transportation Management System (TMS).

Responsibilities (Essential Functions):

1. Manages ERP material planning work bench by creating, releasing, and maintaining purchase orders and work orders as required to support demand requirements.
2. Demonstrate the capability of managing ERP production planning work bench by creating, releasing, and maintaining work orders as required to support customer demand requirements utilizing optimized planning processes.
3. Responsible for supporting inventory targets by making informed buying decisions, constantly evaluating active inventory levels, and applying inventory management tools such as consigned inventory or vendor managed inventory.
4. Responsible for identifying and implementing cost reduction activities using optimized processes, while achieving maximum leverage of spend, competitive sourcing and supplier collaboration to reduce costs.
5. Manage relationships with current and potential domestic and international LB Foster supply bases.
6. Manage inbound material utilizing TMS, select carriers for best price and service levels, file damage claims as required.
7. Responsible for compliance with all applicable standards and local regulations for assigned locations.
8. Facilitate information flow between internal departments and suppliers.
9. All other duties as assigned.

Experience, Education, & License Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Business Administration, Supply Chain, or related field required.
• ERP / MRP system experience preferred.
• Travel as required.

Skills & Abilities:

• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent time management skills.
• SAP, or other ERP

Competencies:

• Facilitates collaboration/teamwork
• Communication
• Customer focus
• Integrity & trust
• Continuous improvement
• Adaptability/flexibility
• Accountability/drive for results
• Planning & organizing
• Critical thinking/learning agility

Qualifications

Education

Preferred

Bachelors

Bachelors

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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