Senior Buyer & Planner — Hybrid, Cost & Supply Growth

Comfort Research LLC; Grand Rapids (MI); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Comfort Research is seeking an experienced Buyer/Planner to manage material procurement and inventory planning, ensuring uninterrupted production and on-time customer delivery. The role blends hands-on purchasing with analytical planning, supplier relationships, cost control, and risk mitigation.

The ideal candidate will optimize inventory levels, strengthen supplier reliability, support growth initiatives, and drive continuous improvement using ERP/MRP tools and AI automation.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in Business, Finance, Operations, or Supply Chain.
• 5-7 years of professional experience in Supply Chain or Operations.
• Manufacturing experience with procurement, inventory management, planning, and new product development.
• Advanced knowledge of MS Excel and ERP systems with data analytics.
• APICS certification (CPIM/CSCP) is a plus but not required.
• Strong analytical, organizational, decision-making, and presentation skills.
• Team-oriented and excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate Comfort Research core values in daily actions and tasks.
• Use ERP, MRP, and planning tools to procure materials and maintain supply plans.
• Monitor demand, inventory, and supplier performance; adjust POs and plans.
• Lead supplier relationships to improve cost, quality, lead times, and on-time delivery.
• Identify and implement cost reductions through supplier development and sourcing alternatives.
• Drive continuous improvement through ERP, AI tools, and automation.
• Perform data analytics to improve planning accuracy and procurement efficiency.
• Analyze and optimize inventory, safety stock, reorder points, and planning parameters.
• Identify risks and disruptions; develop mitigation plans to maintain supply continuity.
• Review supplier quotations and bids; recommend sourcing decisions based on TCO, quality, risk, and delivery.
• Coordinate with Sourcing, Product Development, and Operations for launches and transitions.
• Manage inbound logistics with suppliers, freight providers, and customs brokers.
• Maintain accurate supplier data within ERP and planning systems.
• Support KPI targets and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative work environment.
• HAVE FUN!

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Decision making

Presentation skills

Team player

Communication skills

Education

BA/BS degree in Business, Finance, Operations, or Supply Chain

Tools

MS Excel

ERP systems

Data analytics

Job description

Comfort Research is seeking an experienced Buyer/Planner to manage material procurement and inventory planning, ensuring uninterrupted production and on-time customer delivery. The role blends hands-on purchasing with analytical planning, supplier relationships, cost control, and risk mitigation.

The ideal candidate will optimize inventory levels, strengthen supplier reliability, support growth initiatives, and drive continuous improvement using ERP/MRP tools and AI automation.