Planner/Buyer

Smiley Monroe Inc; Franklin (KY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4 Day Week

Discretionary Bonus

Generous PTO

Recruitment Referral Bonus

Competitive Pay

Job summary

Smiley Monroe Inc in Kentucky is seeking a Planner/Buyer to ensure timely, cost-effective supply of raw materials for manufacturing. You will blend demand planning, inventory control, purchasing, and supplier coordination to keep production moving.

You will forecast demand, manage inventory levels, generate POs, build supplier relationships, and coordinate with sales, production, and logistics. The role rewards analytical thinking, negotiation skills, and continuous improvement across the supply

Qualifications

• 3 years planning and buying experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret data from multiple sources to drive decisions.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Strong problem-solving skills and creative thinking to overcome obstacles.
• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
• In-depth knowledge of ERP/MRP systems.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate Demand Planning by using forecasts, historical consumption, and MRP outputs to plan purchases.
• Maintain optimal inventory levels, identify slow-moving or obsolete stock, and minimize excess inventory.
• Generate purchase orders based on demand forecasts and inventory levels; optimize container/transport capacity.
• Develop and maintain supplier relationships; monitor performance and negotiate pricing/lead times.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, production, warehouse, and logistics to align material availability with production schedules.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements, cost savings, and efficiency gains within the supply chain.
• Analyze supply chain data (inventory, supplier performance, demand trends) to inform decisions and improve performance.
• Ensure compliance with regulations, quality standards, and company policies in all activities.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Negotiation skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Data interpretation

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

We’re the world’s biggest producer of ‘endless’ conveyor belts, with locations in Northern Ireland, Great Britain, India, and the USA. We are trusted by manufacturers of materials processing equipment in sectors spanning quarrying, construction & demolition, recycling & waste management, washing systems, and road construction.

Our industry is dynamic and fast-paced. We work hard but like to have fun too. Continuous improvement is at the core of our culture, and our values are unique: we’re passionate about having a safe place to work, we’re determined to succeed, and we believe in being close to our customers and solving their problems.

About the role:

ThePlanner/Buyer is responsible for ensuring the timely and cost-effective supplyof raw materials and components to support manufacturing operations. The rolecombines demand planning, inventory control, purchasing, and suppliercoordination to maintain production continuity while optimising inventorylevels, supplier performance, and overall supply chain efficiency.

What you'll be doing:

• Demand Planning: Utilise customer forecasts and historical consumption trends, along with MRP outputs to accurately plan and purchase raw materials and supplies.
  
• Inventory Management: Maintain optimal inventory levels by monitoring stock levels, identifying slow-moving or obsolete inventory and implementing strategies to minimise excess inventory and stock outs.
  
• Purchase Order Management: Generate purchase orders based on demand forecasts and inventory levels, optimising container/transport capacity while ensuring timely delivery of materials to support production schedules.
  
• Supplier Management: Develop and maintain effective supplier relationships, monitor supplier performance, negotiate pricing and lead times where appropriate, and proactively resolve supply or quality issues.
  
• Cross-Functional Co-Ordination: Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, production, warehouse, and logistics teams to align material availability with production schedules and customer demand.
  
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvement, cost savings and efficiency gains within the supply chain function and implement appropriate measures for improvement.
  
• Data Analysis: Analyse supply chain data, including inventory levels, supplier performance, supplier capability, and demand trends to inform decision-making and improve overall supply chain performance.
  
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, quality standards, and company policies in all supply chain activities.

About you:

• 3 years planning, buying experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Strong analytical skills, ability to interpret data and make informed decisions from a range of data sources
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively to overcome obstacles
• Advanced excel skills and proficient in the use of other Microsoft Office products (Outlook, PowerPoint, Word).
• In depth knowledge of ERP/MRP systems experience.

What you will get in return:

• Competitive Pay
• 4 Day Week
• Discretionary Bonus based on Company Performance
• Generous PTO allowance that increases with length of service
• Recruitment Referral Bonus

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNTIES EMPLOYER ANDWE WELCOME APPLICATIONS FROM ALL SUITABLY QUALIFIED PERSONS