Senior Planner/Buyer - GWW - US

Sysco Northeast Rdc; New Jersey; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Guest Worldwide, a Sysco subsidiary, seeks a Senior Planner/Buyer to lead procurement and production planning efforts in support of hospitality distribution networks. You will supervise junior buyers, optimize inventory, and ensure on-time delivery to customers.

Responsibilities include driving cost savings, managing supplier performance, and coordinating with internal teams to balance production demands with service levels. A strong background in ERP and forecasting is required.

Qualifications

• 5–7+ years in procurement or hospitality supply chain.
• Experience with ERP and materials planning systems.
• Strong pricing, forecasting, and cost-savings mindset.

Responsibilities

• Mentor and guide the team while coordinating with internal and external partners.
• Lead projects aligned with fiscal year goals to drive cost savings and process improvements.
• Oversee purchase orders from creation to delivery and manage supplier relations.
• Expedite orders and adjust plans to meet changing production and customer needs.
• Contribute to forecasting and production planning while maintaining optimal inventory levels.
• Ensure clear communication with suppliers on status, delays, and performance.

Skills

Project management

Vendor management

Team leadership

Communication skills

Forecasting

ERP experience

Purchasing

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Supply Chain degree preferred

Tools

ERP / Materials Planning System

Job description

Who We Are:

Guest Worldwide is a global collective of dynamic, industry-leading companies with more than 40 years of unparalleled experience serving the unique needs of diverse markets in every corner of the world. From providing full-spectrum hospitality and distribution solutions at Guest Supply® and manufacturing award-winning personal care amenities at Gilchrist & Soames, to manufacturing versatile and innovative product assortments that create smarter textile solutions at Manchester Mills, we’re proud to provide products to more than 25,000 hotels in over 100 countries. Guest Worldwide is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sysco – an industry leading, global food and beverage distribution company, employing thousands of employees worldwide and home to the 13th largest sales organization in the world. Learn more by visiting www.guestworldwide.com

Position Purpose:

The Senior Planner/Buyer is responsible for supply chain strategy and the sourcing, planning, procurement, control, and distribution of materials and products to meet company objectives and customer requirements. Oversee Junior Buyers and Planner/Buyers to manage all purchased inventory at the optimal level while maintaining on time delivery to our customers.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Working closely with the team, train and provide guidance to the team while fostering strong relationships with both internal and external departments and customers.
• Lead and drive projects that support various Fiscal Year initiatives as directed by Sr. Leadership. Identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.
• Oversee the team as they prepare, review, and track purchase orders through the purchasing process.
• Expedite and push out orders as needed to support changing production and customer demands. Verify purchase order status and trace any delinquent orders. Coach and develop team in balancing the delivery of high productivity, quality, and customer service in line with performance goals.
• Contribute to strategizing the forecast and production planning while managing inventory levels to ensure adequate stock levels and best in class fill rates.
• Ensure team members are effectively communicating with suppliers regarding status of materials and progress of orders. Provide guidance and approve work related to evaluating vendor performance and initiating vendor corrective actions, credits and product returns as needed.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or minimum 5 years of experience as a Planner/Buyer.
• Supply Chain degree preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in a procurement/hospitality environment with a proven track record of cost savings and process improvement initiatives.
• Proficient use of an ERP and Materials Planning System.
• Strong understanding of pricing and forecasting.

Professional Skills

• Understands team dynamics and works well within a team structure. Recognizes and acknowledges the value others bring to the organization. Exhibits a high level of trust and accountability.
• Oversee employee relations and participate in staff selection, performance and compensation evaluations, corrective action and terminations. Establish performance goals, monitor progress and provide feedback. Manage employee performance through motivation, delegation, development, mentoring and resolving conflict.
• Good communication (verbal and written), interpersonal and professional interactive skills are necessary to perform at a high degree of proficiency. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from suppliers, customers, management and inter-department staff. Capable of working with colleagues from other departments in a proactive and constructive manner.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to plan, prioritize and execute multiple initiatives/deadlines autonomously and shift priorities, as necessary. Able to manage complex projects.
• Customer Service – Respond promptly to requests for service or assistance and follow up as needed. Ability to build working relationships with internal business partners, vendors and customers.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner. Gathers and analyzes information skillfully. Develop alternative solutions.
• Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions. Exhibits sound and accurate judgment. Makes timely decisions. Ability to understand and execute all relevant policies and procedures in a consistent and objective manner.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner. Reacts well under pressure. Follows through on commitments. Excellent listening, negotiation and presentation skills.