Planner/Buyer

Smiley Monroe Inc; Franklin (KY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

4 day work week

Discretionary bonus

PTO increase with tenure

Recruitment referral bonus

Job summary

Smiley Monroe Inc in the United States (Kentucky) is seeking a Planner/Buyer to secure timely and cost-effective raw materials for manufacturing. You will combine demand planning, inventory control, purchasing and supplier coordination to sustain production and optimise supply chain efficiency.

The role involves demand forecasting, inventory control, PO management, supplier negotiations, cross-functional coordination and continuous improvement to drive cost savings and reliability.

Qualifications

• 3 years planning, buying experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret data from multiple sources.
• 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 in Microsoft Office (Outlook, PowerPoint, Word).
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems.

Responsibilities

• Demand Planning: use forecasts and historical trends with MRP outputs to plan materials and purchases.
• Inventory Management: maintain optimal stock levels and minimise excess or obsolete inventory.
• Purchase Order Management: generate POs based on forecasts and inventory, optimise transport capacity.
• Supplier Management: build strong supplier relationships, monitor performance, negotiate lead times.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: align material availability with production and customer demand.
• Continuous Improvement: identify process improvements and cost-saving opportunities.
• Data Analysis: analyse inventory and supplier data to inform decisions and improve performance.
• Compliance: ensure compliance with regulations and quality standards.

Tools

Excel

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