Planner/Buyer

Smiley Monroe Ltd.; Franklin (KY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Pay

4 Day Week

Discretionary Bonus based on Company  

Generous PTO allowance

Recruitment Referral Bonus

Job summary

Smiley Monroe Ltd. is seeking a Planner/Buyer to secure timely, cost-effective raw materials and components for manufacturing operations.

The role blends demand planning, inventory control, purchasing, and supplier coordination to keep production running smoothly. You will forecast demand, manage stock levels, generate purchase orders, and work with sales, production, and logistics to align material supply with customer demand.

Qualifications

• 3 years planning and buying experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret data from multiple sources.
• Excellent communication and negotiation with internal teams and suppliers.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and creative obstacle overcoming.
• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• ERP/MRP systems experience.

Responsibilities

• Demand planning using forecasts, historical data, and MRP outputs.
• Maintain optimal inventory levels and minimise excess stock.
• Generate purchase orders based on demand forecasts and inventory.
• Manage supplier relationships, negotiate pricing and lead times.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, production, warehouse and logistics.
• Identify process improvements to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
• Analyse supply chain data to inform decisions.
• Ensure compliance with regulations, quality standards, and company policies.

Skills

Demand planning

Data analysis

Negotiation

Communication

Problem solving

Advanced Excel

ERP/MRP experience

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

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