Strategic Buyer Planner – Materials & Supplier Lead

KELTEC; West Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

KELTEC seeks a Buyer Planner to manage material planning for production schedules and customer delivery dates. You will handle raw material purchases, supplier relationships, and ERP-based purchasing activities to ensure timely, cost-effective supply chain operations.

The role requires an Associate's degree and 1+ year in purchasing/materials, with strong analytical and communication skills. Expect collaboration with engineering and production teams and focus on continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or equivalent in supply chain, business, operations.
• 1+ year of purchasing/materials experience.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems, Sage ERP is a plus.
• Strong analytical, planning, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks independently under pressure.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and follow-up.
• Detail-oriented and proactive in problem solving.
• Experience supporting cost-saving procurement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Source and purchase raw materials, components, and supplies for manufacturing.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships for quality and on-time delivery.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers; monitor performance.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality teams on procurement.
• Analyze market trends and cost drivers to inform purchasing decisions.
• Maintain purchase orders, supplier records, and ERP data accurately.
• Monitor inventory levels to support production and minimize obsolescence.
• Identify and qualify new suppliers to expand sourcing options.
• Resolve supplier quality, delivery, or invoicing issues promptly.
• Support continuous improvement and cost-saving projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Planning & organization

Communication

Multitasking

Independent under pressure

Education

Associate's degree in supply chain, Business, Operations or equivalent

Tools

Sage ERP

ERP/MRP systems

Excel

Job description

KELTEC seeks a Buyer Planner to manage material planning for production schedules and customer delivery dates. You will handle raw material purchases, supplier relationships, and ERP-based purchasing activities to ensure timely, cost-effective supply chain operations.

The role requires an Associate's degree and 1+ year in purchasing/materials, with strong analytical and communication skills. Expect collaboration with engineering and production teams and focus on continuous improvement.