Buyer / Planner

Certor Sports, LLC; Plainfield (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Certor Sports, LLC is seeking a highly analytical Buyer Planner to own supply planning and procurement execution across assigned product categories. This role sits at the center of demand, supply, and supplier performance, translating forecasts into actionable supply plans while ensuring materials and finished goods flow efficiently through the business.

You will manage the plan end-to-end, balancing inventory, production needs, and supplier capabilities, while remaining hands-on with tactical

Qualifications

• 5+ years in supply planning, procurement or sourcing in manufacturing.
• Ability to manage strategic planning and tactical buying execution.
• Experience with international suppliers and complex product categories.
• Advanced Excel and ERP/MRP experience; NetSuite preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own the supply plan by developing and managing plans aligned to demand forecasts, production schedules and inventory targets.
• Execute tactical procurement: create and manage purchase orders across materials, components, finished goods.
• Drive supplier follow-up, delivery performance, and negotiations on pricing and lead times.
• Support S&OP processes by reconciling demand and supply and identifying risks.
• Collaborate with Product Development, Operations, Logistics, and Finance to improve supply chain performance.

Skills

Supply planning

Procurement execution

ERP/MRP tools

Advanced Excel

Cross-functional collaboration

Negotiation

Data analysis

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or related field

Tools

NetSuite

Job description

Certor Sports is seeking a highly analytical and execution-focused Buyer Planner to own supply planning and procurement execution across assigned product categories. This role sits at the center of demand, supply, and supplier performance — responsible for translating forecasts into actionable supply plans while ensuring materials and finished goods flow efficiently through the business.

You will help manage “the plan” end-to-end: balancing inventory, production needs, and supplier capabilities, while remaining hands‑on with tactical purchasing and sourcing activities in a fast-moving manufacturing environment.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of planning and execution. Equally comfortable analyzing supply strategies and solving day‑to‑day operational challenges.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Own the Supply Plan

• Develop and manage supply plans aligned to demand forecasts, production schedules, and inventory targets.
• Support S&OP processes by reconciling demand and supply, identifying risks, and driving consensus decisions.
• Maintain planning parameters including forecasts, lead times, safety stock, and replenishment strategies.
• Monitor inventory health, service levels, and supply risks; proactively adjust plans to prevent disruption.

Execute Tactical Procurement

• Create and manage purchase orders across materials, components, and finished goods.
• Drive supplier follow-up, confirmations, and delivery performance to ensure continuity of supply.
• Balance strategic planning with real‑time operational execution in support of production priorities.
• Use ERP/MRP tools (NetSuite preferred) to manage planner workbench and purchasing workflows.
• Build strong relationships with global suppliers through regular communication, reviews, and scorecards.
• Lead negotiations related to pricing, lead times, and payment terms within assigned categories.
• Support sourcing strategies and cost improvement initiatives aligned with company objectives.
• Partner with Product Development and Operations to support new product introductions (NPI) and smooth production launches.
• Work cross‑functionally with Operations, Product, Logistics, and Finance to improve supply chain performance.
• Analyze data to identify opportunities for efficiency, cost reduction, and improved planning accuracy.
• Resolve quality, delivery, and supply challenges in collaboration with suppliers and internal teams.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• 5+ years of experience in supply planning, procurement, or sourcing within a manufacturing environment (sporting goods, hardgoods, or consumer products preferred).
• Proven ability to manage both strategic planning responsibilities and tactical buying execution.
• Strong understanding of inventory management, MRP planning, and supplier lead times.
• Experience working with international suppliers and complex product categories.
• Advanced Excel skills: experience with ERP/MRP systems (NetSuite strongly preferred).
• Highly organized, commercially minded, and comfortable operating in a fast‑paced production environment.
• Strong communicator with the ability to influence across functions and with external partners.
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience).