Buyer / Planner

LayerZero Power Systems; Streetsboro (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Medical plans (no-cost option + buy-up

Employee Assistance Program

Health Savings Account

Retirement plan with employer matching

Parental Leave

Job summary

LayerZero Power Systems LLC seeks a skilled Buyer/Planner to manage procurement of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, negotiate terms, and coordinate planning to ensure on-time production. You will work with Manufacturing to align schedules, manage POs, and optimize supplier performance.

The role emphasizes strong negotiation, vendor relationships, and expertise with ERP/MRP systems, Excel, and inventory planning in a manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years in buying, planning, or supply chain management in manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of ferrous and non-ferrous metals and coatings desirable.
• APICS/ISM CPIM/CSCP/CPSM certifications a plus.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP and Excel with strong negotiation and relationship skills.

Responsibilities

• Procure parts and materials including ferrous and non-ferrous metals, issuing purchase orders with suppliers.
• Negotiate prices, terms, and schedules; reflect negotiated terms in POs and agreements.
• Plan production capacity with Manufacturing to ensure on-time delivery.
• Maintain accuracy of open POs, quotes, and lead times for commodities.
• Monitor supplier performance and advise on production or delivery issues.
• Resolve shipment quality discrepancies and coordinate supplier-manufacturer remediation.
• Attend supplier site visits and evaluate capabilities and performance.

Skills

Procurement & planning

ERP/MRP literacy

Negotiation skills

Vendor relationship management

Excel proficiency

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in supply chain/operations

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About Us

LayerZero Power Systems LLC. is a globally recognized leader in providing state-of-the-art power distribution solutions for critical industries. With a strong focus on reliability, innovation, and customer satisfaction, we deliver advanced power systems products that ensure uninterrupted and dependable power supply in mission-critical environments. Our customer base is comprised of companies in the data center (our main focus), financial, computer service provision, and semiconductor manufacturing sectors. LayerZero Power Systems is on a trajectory of sustained growth, with a loyal customer base of existing Fortune 100 customers and an expanding portfolio of new customers.

Position Description: Buyer/Planner - Ferrous & Non-Ferrous

LayerZero Power Systems is seeking an experienced and highly organized Buyer/Planner to join our team. As the Buyer/Planner, you will be primarily responsible for the ongoing procurement and negotiation of materials, components, equipment, supplies, and services that meet the company’s quality standards. This includes sourcing and managing both ferrous & non-ferrous metals used in our manufacturing processes.

In this role, you will evaluate and analyze supplier quotes, negotiate prices, maintain strong vendor relationships, and ensure timely delivery of orders. You will assume full responsibility for planning requirements and supply chain management to ensure scheduled deliveries of goods and services within budget and/or standard costs. Additional responsibilities include performing material requirements planning, working with the supply base to ensure material availability, and resolving gaps in availability.

Primary Duties

• Purchase parts, equipment, and materials, including ferrous and non-ferrous metals, by preparing requests for quotations and submitting purchase orders with approved suppliers.
• Issue purchase orders and agreements that accurately reflect price, schedule, terms, and conditions as negotiated with suppliers.
• Work with Manufacturing and Process personnel to plan, schedule, and manage rough-cut production capacity load to ensure maximum on-time delivery.
• Maintain and ensure accuracy of open purchase orders, quotes, and work orders, including lead times for assigned commodities.
• Monitor and evaluate production performance to plan and supplier performance. Advise appropriate personnel of production issues or impending supplier failures that may delay production or delivery.
• Resolve shipment quality discrepancies by mediating supplier/manufacturing issues, including those related to metal specifications and quality standards.
• Facilitate resolution of issues by arranging and participating in conferences between suppliers and company personnel.
• Maintain schedules, records, and reports pertaining to tracking materials through the production cycle and availability of production resources.
• Negotiate and settle damage claims, rejections, losses, return of materials, over-shipments, cancellations, and engineering changes with suppliers.
• Assist in executing system transactions needed to support the receipt, storage, and transfer of material.
• Manage inventory levels, generate tracking reports, and perform data entry as required.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities and provide suggestions for cost reduction and efficiency improvements.
• Participate in supplier site visits and evaluate them for production capability, performance, delivery, and other key business criteria. May complete supplier certification as part of a technical and/or quality team.

Requirements

Experience & Skills

• 3-5+ years of experience in buying, planning, or supply chain management, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of fabricated metals and coatings processes is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities, detail orientation, and ability to manage competing priorities.
• APICS/ISM certification (CPIM, CSCP, CPSM) a plus.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, Operations Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).

Why Join Us? Our Benefits Make a Difference.

• $0-cost Dental Insurance
• $0-cost Vision Insurance
• $0-cost Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• $0-cost Life Insurance with additional buy up options
• Medical Plan Choices, including one no-cost medical option plus two additional buy-up plan options
• $0-cost Employee Assistance Program offering confidential counseling and support services
• Employer Health Savings Account Contributions to help offset health expenses
• Retirement Plan Options with generous employer matching contribution
• Paid Parental Leave to support your growing family

Why You Will Love Working With Us

• Impact: Develop your skills and expertise in a rapidly growing industry, with your work directly influencing the success of mission-critical projects.
• Innovation: Immerse yourself in an environment that celebrates forward-thinking and continuous improvement.
• Collaborative spirit: Work closely with engineers, marketers, and other professionals to bring ideas to life.
• Grow with us: We are committed to your personal and professional development, offering endless opportunities to improve your skills and advance your career.

At LayerZero, we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and celebrate diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.