Senior Buyer/Planner

Gatekeeper Systems, Inc.; Lake Forest (CA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Lake Forest is looking for a Planner/Buyer to manage supply chain operations. This position requires a bachelor's degree and over 5 years of relevant experience. The successful candidate will collaborate with sales and suppliers to optimize inventory and ensure timely supply of goods. The role involves attending meetings, generating and adjusting purchase orders, and evaluating supplier performance. This is a full-time, mid-senior level position, with a hybrid work option.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience, preferably in a manufacturing or technology environment.
• Experience with ERP systems such as NetSuite or SAP.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Gather data for monthly Global SIOP reviews for the Smart Wheel product.
• Ensure supply chain health with optimized inventory and excellent service levels.
• Prepare and maintain SIOP files and lead monthly SIOP meetings.

Skills

Purchasing principles

Vendor management

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Microsoft Excel

Logistics knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field

Tools

ERP systems (NetSuite, SAP, Navision)

Job description

Base pay range

$80,000.00/yr - $85,000.00/yr

At Gatekeeper Systems, we’re revolutionizing retail loss prevention and customer safety through a powerful combination of physical deterrents and cutting‑edge technology—including AI, computer vision, and facial recognition. As a global leader with over 25 years of industry excellence and a growing, diverse team of 500 employees across offices in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia, we’re driven by innovation, integrity, and impact. Join us and be part of a mission‑focused team that’s making a real difference in the future of retail, providing innovative solutions and services that redefine industry standards.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Planner/Buyer will work closely with our global sales team, internal manufacturing facilities & 3rd party supply base to ensure incoming supply of purchased components and finished goods meets customer demand.

Taking point on gathering data for our monthly Global SIOP reviews for our flagship product, the Smart Wheel. The SIOP process starts by scrubbing the sales forecast vs. historical trends and reconciling discrepancies, then adjusting open PO’s (pull in’s / push out’s) to ensure the flow of incoming fin goods meets customer demand, whilst maintaining optimized inventory levels.

This goes beyond merely reporting the numbers, the Buyer/Planner should pro‑actively take measures to keep our supply chain in a “healthy” state, with optimized inventory & excellent service levels. Key performance metrics will include OTD, turns and inventory dollars.

This role requires working from the office x3 days per week (90 Icon, Lake Forest, CA, 92610), with the option to work from home or come into the office x2 days per week.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience — preferably in a manufacturing or technology environment.
• Experience working with ERP systems (NetSuite, SAP, Navision or similar).

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Strong understanding of purchasing principles and vendor management.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship‑building skills.
• Detail‑oriented with strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel (pivot tables & V-LOOKUP’s).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of import/export compliance, logistics, and inventory control a plus.

Preferred

• Experience in global sourcing and working with international suppliers.
• Familiarity with electronic components, molded parts, mechanical assemblies and fin goods.
• APICS or CPM certification is preferred (not mandatory).

DAY-TO-DAY ACTIVITY

• Prepare & maintain SIOP file.
• Schedule / lead monthly SIOP meetings.
• Follow up on actions post SIOP.
• Check PO ship dates are on track, expedite / upscale where required.
• Resolve supply challenges / eliminate stock out’s.
• Generate and adjust PO’s, to maintain accurate ship dates / qty’s.
• Keep ERP system current with accurate lead times, MOQ’s and safety stock levels.
• Generate shortage reports and drive countermeasure plans for late deliveries.
• Attend Supply chain related meetings.
• Optimize inbound freight, adjusting PO qty’s to max out 40ft containers.
• Identify excess inventory and look for opportunities to repurpose.
• Identify obsolete inventory and work with finance to write off.

Collaboration with Sourcing Manager

• Identify chronic performing suppliers.
• Support NPD activity.
• Cut demand signals for parts phasing out of production, to reduce E&O exposure.
• Reduce MOQ’s or lead times in support of meeting turns & working capital goals.
• Long range planning to identify “bottle necks” and work on capacity expansion plans.

The duties and responsibilities described above may provide only a partial description of this position. This is not an exhaustive list of all aspects of the job. Other duties and responsibilities not outlined in this document may be added as necessary or desirable, with or without notice.

DISCLAIMER

This Job Description is a general overview of the requirements for the position. It is not designed to contain, nor should it be interpreted as being all inclusive of every task which may be assigned or required. It is subject to change, in alignment with company/department needs and priorities.

Gatekeeper Systems, Inc., is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to developing a diverse workforce and cultivating an inclusive environment. We value diversity and believe that we are strengthened by the differences in our experiences, thinking, culture, and background. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any protected basis.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Supply Chain and Strategy/Planning

Industries

Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage, Manufacturing, and Technology, Information and Media