Buyer/Planner II

LB Foster; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) plan with company match

Career development opportunities

Flexible work environment

Job summary

LB Foster seeks a Buyer/Planner II to purchase materials, schedule production, and release work orders to support plant capacity and meet customer requirements. You will manage inbound logistics, select carriers, and drive cost reductions through optimized sourcing and supplier collaboration.

The role requires 3–5 years of experience, ERP/MRP (SAP preferred), and the ability to travel as needed. Excellent communication and cross-functional teamwork are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in Business Admin, Supply Chain, or related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in a similar role preferred.
• Experience negotiating with suppliers; ERP/MRP system experience, preferably SAP.
• Ability to travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Purchases materials and releases work orders to support demand requirements.
• Schedule production and manage inbound logistics to support plant capacity and customer needs.
• Work with suppliers to resolve material constraints and cost reduction opportunities.
• Maintain ERP purchase orders and related documents; manage build and ship schedules.

Skills

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Verbal and written communication

ERP / MRP knowledge

Communication

Integrity & trust

Accountability/drive for results

Critical thinking/learning agility

Influence/lead without authority

Negotiation with suppliers

Education

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

Tools

SAP

Infor Visual

Other ERP systems

Job description

The Buyer/Planner II 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). Participate in continuous improvement projects for waste elimination and cost reduction.

Essential Functions:

• Manages ERP material planning work bench by creating, releasing, and maintaining purchase orders and work orders as required to support demand requirements.
• Responsible for weighing appropriate risk factors when making buy decisions, supporting inventory targets.
• Controls documents pertaining to the supply base.
• Drive resolution of material constraints through direct intervention with suppliers.
• Conduct production meetings with plant management to ensure work order, sales order schedules and customer promise dates are achieved.
• Manage, maintain, and track internal build and ship schedule attainment, work very closely with manufacturing plant management team to ensure schedule execution.
• Work supply shortage report and open PO report to eliminate supply constraints.
• Manage inbound material utilizing TMS, select carriers for best price and service levels, file damage claims as required.
• 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.
• Responsible for evaluating inventories of purchased material and for driving inventory reduction initiatives through improved buying methodology, process improvement and other inventory management tools.
• Strive for procurement process optimization and waste elimination.
• Responsible for compliance with all applicable standards and local regulations for assigned locations.
• All other duties as assigned.

Experience, Education, & License Requirements:

• Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Supply Chain, or related field required.
• 3-5 years of experience in similar role preferred.
• Experience negotiating with suppliers
• ERP / MRP system experience required, preferably SAP.
• Ability to travel as required.

Skills & Abilities:

• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• SAP, Infor Visual or other ERP
• Communication
• Integrity & trust
• Accountability/drive for results
• Critical thinking/learning agility
• Influence/lead without authority

The Benefits...

• Medical, dental, vision benefits the first day of the month after hire
• Market-leading 401(k) program with company match
• Career development and advancement opportunities
• Flexible work environment

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.