Sr. Planner/Buyer

Standard Motor Products, Inc.; Greenville, Northern (SC, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Standard Motor Products, Inc. in Greenville, SC is seeking a Project & Production Buyer/Planner to lead cross-functional projects, support EPO/OES efforts, and negotiate favorable supplier terms. The role requires automotive experience and strong MRP/MS Office proficiency.

The incumbent will manage purchase orders, supplier qualification to ISO 9001 / IATF 16949 standards, and drive inventory turns while collaborating with Engineering and the Materials Manager to ensure on-time project launches.

Qualifications

• Minimum Associate Degree and 5 years material purchasing experience.
• Experience leading projects with cross-functional teams.
• Automotive experience required.
• Working knowledge of MRP systems.
• Proficient with MS Office.
• Good collaboration, organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Project & production Buyer/Planner.
• Support for EPO and Key OE/OES projects as assigned.
• Lead smaller scope projects as needed.
• Work with Engineering to request PPAPs.
• Review and approve ECRs.
• Source from current supplier base and/or find new ISO 9001 or IATF 16949 low-cost suppliers per SMP strategy.
• Provide best practices training for purchasing staff as assigned.
• Negotiate with suppliers.
• Set up Purchase Orders, and manage parts within SMP standard operating procedures.
• Order capital and tooling to support new processes and parts.
• Monitor and maintain inventory levels to achieve annual turns target.
• Set-up and track new parts to ensure a successful project launch.
• Manage invoicing, receiving and delivery issues for a timely resolution.
• Create, manage and distribute various reports as required.
• Help guide and direct the Buyer/Planners as needed by the Materials Manager.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Materials Manager.

Skills

Automotive experience

Project leadership

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Negotiation

Education

Associate Degree

Tools

MRP systems

MS Office

Job description

SMP, 5150 Pelham Rd, Greenville, South Carolina, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Friday, August 28, 2026 at 4:00 AM

Established in 1919 and traded on the NYSE, Standard Motor Products, Inc. (SMP) is a leading independent manufacturer and distributor of premium automotive replacement parts utilized in the maintenance, repair, and service of vehicles in the automotive aftermarket. Additionally, SMP provides customized solutions for vehicle control and thermal management products in diversified end markets represented by its Engineered Solutions segment.

Globally, SMP employs over 6,000 employees across nearly 40 manufacturing, distribution, and engineering facilities and offices located in North America, Europe and Asia. SMP sells its products primarily to automotive aftermarket retailers, program distribution groups, warehouse distributors, original equipment manufacturers, and original equipment service part operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Mexico, and other Latin American countries.

Overall Scope

Primary focus is supporting and leading various projects, and assist the Materials Manager as needed. Key liaison between the project teams and the Logistics Department to ensure projects launch on time. Must keep management, buyers, planners and operations informed of issues. Must develop and maintain good supplier relationships while professionally resolving problems in a fair and ethical manner. Must negotiate aggressively for price, inventory levels and delivery terms of raw materials. Must ensure that orders conform to purchasing standards and procedures.

• Experience leading a successful project(s) with support from cross functional teams.
• Automotive experience required
• Minimum Associate Degree and 5 years material purchasing experience.
• Working knowledge of MRP systems.
• Proficient with MS Office.
• Good collaboration, organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Project & production Buyer/Planner
• Support for EPO and Key OE/OES projects as assigned.
• Lead smaller scope projects as needed.
• Work with Engineering to request PPAP’s.
• Review and approve ECR’s.
• Source from current supplier base and/or find new quality ISO 9001 or IATF 16949 low-cost suppliers per SMP strategy.
• Provide best practices training for purchasing staff as assigned.
• Negotiate with suppliers.
• Set up Purchase Orders, and manage parts within SMP standard operating procedures.
• Order capital and tooling to support new processes and parts.
• Monitor and maintain inventory levels to achieve annual turns target.
• Set-up and track new parts to ensure a successful project launch.
• Manage invoicing, receiving and delivery issues for a timely resolution.
• Create, manage and distribute various reports as required.
• Help guide and direct the Buyer/Planners as needed by the Materials Manager.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Materials Manager.

Ergonomic Focus

• Talks with team members.
• Using telephone, copier, fax and printer.

#LI-CB1 #LI-ONSITE

Standard Motor Products is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

SMP, 5150 Pelham Rd, Greenville, South Carolina, United States of America