Strategic Buyer & Planner for Fast-Track Production

TalentQ, Inc; Maple Grove (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

TalentQ, Inc. in Minnesota seeks a Senior Buyer/Planner to keep production moving by owning material availability and supplier performance.

You'll collaborate with Sourcing, Engineering, Production, and Materials teams to maintain optimal inventory, meet on-time deliveries, and drive continuous improvement in material flow. This role reports to the Planning Manager and requires 3–5 years in manufacturing purchasing or planning, with strong ERP and Excel skills.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years in purchasing, materials or production planning in manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of MRP, inventory and supplier management.
• Hands-on ERP experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Advanced Excel skills for data analysis.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Issue purchase orders to approved suppliers for assigned components and raw materials.
• Build and maintain material requirements plans based on production schedules, forecasts, and customer demand.
• Set and communicate supplier delivery requirements and order due dates to support production timelines.
• Monitor supplier performance and drive on-time delivery of purchased materials and components.
• Partner with Engineering, Production, Materials, and Planning to align material availability with build schedules.
• Work proactively with suppliers to resolve shortages, expedite critical materials, and improve lead times.
• Support short- and long-term forecasting of component and steel requirements, identifying supply gaps and capacity constraints.
• Maintain accurate planning and purchasing data within the ERP system.
• Analyze demand, usage trends, and inventory levels to recommend safety stocks and reorder points, balancing inventory accordingly.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across inventory management, supplier performance, and material flow.

Skills

Purchasing

Materials planning

Supplier management

MRP

ERP systems

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

MRP software

Job description

TalentQ, Inc. in Minnesota seeks a Senior Buyer/Planner to keep production moving by owning material availability and supplier performance.

You'll collaborate with Sourcing, Engineering, Production, and Materials teams to maintain optimal inventory, meet on-time deliveries, and drive continuous improvement in material flow. This role reports to the Planning Manager and requires 3–5 years in manufacturing purchasing or planning, with strong ERP and Excel skills.