Buyer Planner

Virginia Economic Development Partnership; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Afton Scientific is looking for a Buyer Planner to join our Supply Chain team. The role focuses on procuring materials, maintaining inventory levels, and coordinating with suppliers and internal departments to keep manufacturing operations running smoothly.

Ideal candidates will have inventory management experience, strong organizational skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. This on-site position offers growth within a proactive, detail-oriented team.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous inventory management experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and issue-resolution skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and changing environment.
• Demonstrated initiative and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Obtain supplier quotes and procure materials to support manufacturing and projects.
• Serve as primary contact for assigned suppliers and maintain relationships.
• Monitor open purchase orders and track delivery dates with suppliers.
• Manage critical material orders to prevent manufacturing disruptions.
• Monitor inventory levels of raw materials, in-transit, and consignments.
• Maintain MRP data and coordinate material deliveries to minimize shortages and excess.
• Perform production and project material planning, including allocations and pick lists.
• Author and review supply chain documents, including SOPs, specifications, NCRs, and quarterly DEA reporting.
• Assist with cycle counts and physical inventories for accuracy.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives for efficiency and cost.

Skills

Inventory management

Procurement

Vendor relations

Attention to detail

Organization

Communication

Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain or related field

Tools

SAP

Job description

Afton Scientific is seeking an organized, proactive, and detail-oriented Buyer Planner to join our Supply Chain team. This position plays a critical role in ensuring that the materials needed to support manufacturing and project activities are available when needed while maintaining appropriate inventory levels and strong supplier relationships.

This is an excellent opportunity for an employee who enjoys planning, problem-solving, working with suppliers, and coordinating across departments to support successful manufacturing operations.

Compensation

$29.00 to $36.00

Placement within the range will be based on qualifications, relevant experience, internal equity, and demonstrated competencies.

Primary Responsibilities

• Obtain supplier quotes and procure materials needed to support manufacturing and project requirements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned suppliers and maintain productive supplier relationships.
• Monitor open purchase orders and work with suppliers to track and maintain expected delivery dates.
• Closely manage critical material orders to help prevent disruptions to manufacturing.
• Monitor raw material, in-transit, and consignment inventory levels.
• Maintain MRP planning data and coordinate material deliveries to minimize both shortages and excess inventory.
• Perform production and project material planning, including creating and maintaining material allocations and pick lists.
• Author and review supply chain and quality-related documentation, including SOPs, specifications, Supplier Non- Conformances, and quarterly DEA reporting.
• Assist with cycle counts and physical inventories to support inventory accuracy.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives that improve supply chain efficiency, compliance, and cost effectiveness.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous inventory management experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, primarily Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and issue-resolution skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and changing environment.
• Demonstrated initiative and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Preferred Knowledge and Experience

• Experience with SAP or another ERP system.
• Previous experience purchasing or procuring materials.
• Experience working within a cGMP-regulated environment.
• Production planning experience.
• Associate or bachelor's degree in Supply Chain or a related field.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Experience working with suppliers and resolving material availability or delivery issues.

Key Competencies

• Planning & Organization
• Attention to Detail
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Communication & Collaboration
• Negotiation
• Problem Solving
• Inventory Management
• Accountability & Follow-Through
• Continuous Improvement

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience in procurement, production planning, and inventory management.
• Increased exposure to supplier management and manufacturing operations.
• Experience using supply chain planning processes and ERP systems.
• Opportunities to contribute directly to improvements in inventory accuracy, material availability, and operational efficiency.
• An opportunity to develop additional skills and pursue continued career growth within Afton Scientific.