Material Buyer and Planner

DMF Lighting; Carson (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

DMF Lighting is seeking a Material Buyer and Planner in Carson, CA to analyze inventory, manage forecasts, and purchase materials to meet production needs.

Responsibilities include coordinating shipments, negotiating with suppliers, maintaining ERP data, and supporting S&OP processes. Requires 3+ years in related roles and a BA/BS or APICS certs preferred.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in supply/demand planning, forecasting, inventory management or supply chain roles.
• Experience with ERP planning solutions is required or preferred.
• Must have strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Plans, issues, and controls purchase orders to meet production and sales needs.
• Negotiate forecasts and delivery schedules with suppliers.
• Requests quotes, evaluates bids, and makes awards.
• Analyze inventory and maintain buying forecasts for target service levels.
• Maintain ERP data accuracy related to material supply and requirements.
• Review MRP planned requirements and implement supply plans.
• Collaborate with Finance to identify slow inventory and improve turns.
• Participate in S&OP demand planning and forecast alignment.
• Work with cross-functional teams on product transitions and lifecycle.
• Analyze stockouts and backlogs; drive permanent root-cause improvements.
• Support spend-productivity programs (make/buy, supplier consolidation, etc.).
• Perform additional duties as assigned by Purchasing leadership.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Numbers

Education

B.A./B.S. in Business, Supply Chain, or similar field

CPIM, CSCP or CFPIM APICS certification preferred

Tools

ERP software (Demand Solutions/Oracle)

Job description

DMF Lighting is a fast-growing leader in the lighting industry, always hard at work engineering what comes next. We have an exciting opportunity in our purchasing department for a Material Buyer and Planner.

• Pay range is $70,304 to $90,000 annually (depending on experience/knowledge/skills)
• Location: onsite in Carson, CA

SUMMARY:

Under minimal supervision, analyzing inventory levels, maintaining forecast, purchase materials and supplies to maintain the monthly production and sales requirements. Coordinate shipments with vendors and make recommendations for improvements and processes. Assist other buyers as required and perform other tasks assigned by the Purchasing Manager or Sr. Director of Supply Chain.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. 1. Plans, issues, and controls purchase orders and coordinate material requirements to ensure controlled flow of approved materials time to meeting production requirements and sales requirements.
2. 2. Communicates and/or assists in negotiating with suppliers regarding forecasts, engineering change notice, schedule change, discrepant material issues and delivery schedules.
3. 3. Requests/receives quotes, considers bids, and makes awards.
4. 4. Analyzes inventory levels and maintains buying forecasts for all products to achieve target service levels.
5. 5. Maintenance ERP system data accuracy, especially setting relates to material supply requirements.
6. 6. Reviews MRP Planned requirements and implements supply plan for all material components.
7. 7. Works with the Buyers and Finance team to help identify slow inventory and monitor inventory turns.
8. 8. Participates in demand planning phase of the S&OP processes and functions as team member of the S&OP and Forecast collaboration processes. Ensures that all forecasts are accurate and aligned.
9. 9. Works with Cross Functional teams to manage product transitions and product life cycle.
10. 10. Analyze and resolve product backlogs, fill rates, and drive actions for improvements. Perform root cause analysis for stock outs, missed deliveries, and non-conforming products to proactively drive permanent solutions/processes.
11. 11. Support spend-productivity programs, including but not limited to, make/buy, alternate supplier strategy, supplier consolidation, low-cost country sourcing, including program development and improvement.
12. 12. Performs additional duties and projects as assigned by the Purchasing Manager, Director of Supply Chain, and VP of Operation.

QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES:

1. 1. Minimum of 3 years’ experience primarily involving supply/demand planning, forecasting, inventory management, supply chain management, and knowledge of ERP planning solutions.
2. 2. B.A/B.S. in Business, Supply Chain, or similar field, and/or CPIM, CSCP or CFPIM APICS certification preferred.
3. 3. Must have excellent strategic, analytical, problem solving and organizational skills, be detail-oriented and be able to work under minimum supervision.
4. 4. Must be proficient and have direct experience with handling ERP system, Demand Solutions, and/or other appropriate software (Oracle preferred).
5. 5. Must have excellent written, presentation, and verbal communication skills.
6. 6. Must be proficient with Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, and Power Point.
7. 7. Must have the ability to complete assignments within time frame specified by Purchasing Manager, Director of Supply Chain, and VP of Operation.
8. 8. Must be able to interact effectively and cooperatively with employees at all levels.
9. 9. Ability to both think strategically and execute tactically, and a high-level comfort with numbers.
10. 10. Must be able to operate in a fast-paced organization and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
11. 11. Consistent track record in delivering operational KPI with leading projects and initiatives.
12. 12. This position is located on-site in Carson, CA. It requires onsite presence to attend in person work related events, trainings, and meetings and to further ensure teamwork collaboration and innovation.