Buyer/Planner III

Advantage Technical; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Advantage Technical in Minneapolis is seeking a Buyer/Planner III to support supply chain operations, materials planning, procurement, and inventory management. This role ensures material availability and aligns production schedules with demand to drive operational excellence.

The ideal candidate has 6–9 years of experience in materials planning, procurement, or related operations, with strong ERP skills and a continuous improvement mindset. Hybrid work arrangement offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; MBA preferred.
• 6–9 years of experience with a Bachelor's degree, or 4–7 years with an MBA.
• Experience in materials planning, procurement, inventory management.
• Strong project management, analytical, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to learn ERP systems (SAP or similar).

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and monitor material requirements to ensure inventory availability.
• Maintain production schedules and master planning activities.
• Monitor inventory levels and support cost reporting with Finance and Accounting.
• Source inventory and non-inventory materials and services.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to support procurement needs across functions.
• Support shipping, receiving, storage, and distribution activities.
• Ensure accurate material transactions and data integrity in systems.
• Promote continuous improvement and Lean/Six Sigma initiatives.

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA

Tools

SAP

Job description

Buyer/Planner III (Supply Chain Operations)

Location: Hybrid (3 days onsite per week)

Work Authorization: Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship requirements. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

About the Opportunity

A leading manufacturer in the medical technology and advanced products sector is seeking an experienced Buyer/Planner III to support supply chain, materials planning, procurement, and inventory management activities. This role is responsible for ensuring material availability, maintaining optimal inventory levels, supporting production schedules, and driving operational excellence across the supply chain organization.

The ideal candidate is a proactive, self-directed professional with strong project management skills, experience working in ERP systems, and a continuous improvement mindset.

Key Responsibilities

Materials Planning & Inventory Management

• Plan, schedule, and monitor material requirements throughout the production lifecycle to ensure inventory availability and operational efficiency.
• Maintain and support production schedules and master planning activities.
• Monitor inventory levels and support inventory control initiatives to optimize supply chain performance.
• Assist with month-end inventory and cost reporting activities in partnership with Finance and Accounting teams.
• Source both inventory and non-inventory materials, supplies, and services.
• Manage supplier relationships and coordinate delivery schedules to ensure on-time material availability.
• Issue and manage purchase orders for indirect goods and services, including MRO and other non-production requirements.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to support purchasing needs across multiple business functions.

Logistics & Material Control

• Support shipping, receiving, storage, and distribution activities for materials, components, supplies, and equipment.
• Ensure accurate material transactions and inventory records within company systems.
• Help resolve material shortages, delivery issues, and supply chain disruptions.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Partner with Quality teams to ensure adherence to established quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement through process optimization and operational excellence initiatives.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable quality systems, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure required employee training is completed and appropriately documented.

Digital Transformation & Process Improvement

• Utilize AI-powered tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT Enterprise, procurement automation platforms) to improve efficiency, data analysis, and decision-making.
• Identify and implement automation opportunities that reduce manual effort and improve data integrity.
• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies to procurement and supply chain processes.
• Support broader digital transformation initiatives within the Supply Chain organization.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree required; MBA preferred.
• 6–9 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree, or 4–7 years with an MBA.
• Experience in materials planning, procurement, supply chain, inventory management, or related operations.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Self-motivated professional capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to quickly learn and effectively utilize ERP systems, including SAP or similar platforms.
• Strong analytical, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred

• Experience in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience leveraging AI and automation tools within procurement or supply chain functions.
• Familiarity with inventory control, demand planning, and supplier performance management.