Logistics - Buyer/Planner

Mitchell-Plastics; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Mitchell-Plastics in Huntsville, AL is seeking a proactive Logistics - Buyer/Planner to bridge automotive suppliers and production. You will secure materials, manage spot buys, and expedite critical items to keep production on track.

You will evaluate supplier performance, maintain inventory balance with cycle counts, and collaborate with production, scheduling, and engineering while upholding IATF 16949 standards. Experience with BOM and strong communication are required.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of purchasing or procurement experience.
• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Business Management or related field.
• Understanding of BOM, supplier performance, and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Own the supply pipeline by securing raw materials and MRO items from suppliers.
• Process spot buys and purchase orders; expedite critical materials.
• Evaluate supplier costs, lead times, and performance.
• Maintain inventory balance and conduct cycle counts.
• Collaborate with production, scheduling, customer service, and engineering.
• Align purchasing workflows with IATF 16949 standards.

Skills

Industry Frameworks

BOM knowledge

Supply Chain Understanding

Microsoft Office

Leadership skills

Education

Business Management degree or Diploma

Tools

Plex

Job description

Behind every great product is a flawless supply chain—and we need you to help us build it. We are searching for a proactive Logistics - Buyer/Planner to bridge the gap between our automotive suppliers and our production floor. In this role, you won't just place orders—you will be the mastermind ensuring our manufacturing lines never miss a beat. If you love solving logistics puzzles, optimizing vendor performance, and making a highly visible impact every day, your next career move starts here!

What You Will Do (Duties & Responsibilities)

• Own the Supply Pipeline: Secure high-quality raw materials, production components, and MRO items from your assigned supplier base.
• Keep Production Moving: Process spot buys and purchase orders efficiently while expediting critical materials to eliminate factory downtime and ensure on-time customer shipments.
• Cultivate Supplier Success: Guide and develop vendors, evaluating their costs, lead times, and performance to maintain an elite approved supplier list.
• Maintain Inventory Balance: Keep stock at optimal levels, leading regular cycle counts and audits in Plex to ensure total inventory integrity.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Work closely with production supervisors, scheduling, customer service, and engineering to streamline approvals and logistics.
• Uphold Industry Excellence: Ensure all purchasing workflows strictly align with our IATF 16949 automotive and quality standards.

What You Bring to the Table

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience: 2+ years of hands-on experience in purchasing or procurement, OR
• Education: A post-secondary degree/diploma in Business Management or a related field.

Required Skills & Knowledge

• Industry Frameworks: A solid understanding of automotive supplier expectations, single/multi-level Bills of Material (BOM), and Quality/Environmental Management Systems.
• Supply Chain Logic: Familiarity with both core purchasing functions (quotes, contracts, terms) and production control (scheduling, inventory management).
• Technical & Leadership Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office, highly organized, and possessing natural leadership or supervisory qualities.
• Credentials: Completion of PMAC “Principles of Buying,” APICS Basics of Supply Chain Management, or equivalent practical experience.
• Communication: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to seamlessly bridge the gap between vendors and senior management.