Supply Chain Planner Buyer

Beckhoff Automation USA; Savage (MN); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

12 Holidays

HDHP Medical/Dental/Vision

401(k) Match

Life & Disability Insurance

Elective Benefits

Professional Development

Job summary

Beckhoff Automation USA in Savage, MN is seeking a Supply Chain Planner Buyer to manage product availability and inventory across the U.S. You will forecast demand, issue POs, and coordinate with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery while controlling costs.

The role emphasizes Lean and PFEP/Kanban practices, collaboration with Sales, Customer Service, Engineering, Quality, Marketing, and global suppliers, and participation in S&OP activities to drive efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Industrial Technology, Business, or a related field preferred.
• Understanding of demand forecasting, inventory planning, purchasing, and inventory control principles.
• Experience supporting purchase-to-stock, configure-to-order, and engineer-to-order environments.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and PFEP/Kanban concepts.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with data interpretation.
• Proficiency with Excel and ERP planning/purchasing modules.

Responsibilities

• Plan, order, and schedule receipt of assigned products and services to meet customer demand.
• Coordinate inventory control parameters including lead times, safety stock, and days of supply.
• Review system-generated planning requirements and determine purchasing actions needed to satisfy demand.
• Manage assigned product lines to optimize inventory, increase turns, and reduce total cost of ownership.
• Analyze material shortages and communicate availability updates to Customer Service and Sales teams.
• Issue purchase orders and verify supplier receipt and acceptance.
• Monitor open purchase orders and expediting deliveries as needed.
• Collaborate with suppliers to assess capacity, transportation, and delivery performance.
• Coordinate quality concerns, engineering changes, and product updates between suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Establish delivery schedules that balance customer requirements with inventory and financial objectives.

Skills

Supply chain planning

Purchasing

Forecasting

Inventory management

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Analytical skills

Supply chain optimization

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

The Supply Chain Planner Buyer plays a critical role in ensuring product availability, inventory optimization, and on-time delivery of Beckhoff Automation solutions to customers throughout the United States. This position is responsible for planning, purchasing, forecasting, supplier coordination, and inventory management activities that support organizational growth and customer satisfaction.

The ideal candidate combines strong analytical skills with proactive problem-solving and a continuous improvement mindset to effectively manage product availability while minimizing inventory costs and supply chain risks.

Key Responsibilities

Supply Planning & Inventory Management

• Plan, order, and schedule receipt of assigned products and services to meet customer demand.
• Coordinate inventory control parameters, including lead times, safety stock levels, and days of supply.
• Review system-generated planning requirements and determine purchasing actions needed to satisfy demand.
• Manage assigned product lines and components to optimize inventory levels, increase inventory turns, and reduce total cost of ownership.
• Analyze material shortages and communicate availability updates to Customer Service and Sales teams.
• Issue purchase orders and verify supplier receipt and acceptance.
• Monitor open purchase orders and expedite deliveries as needed to ensure timely receipt of materials.
• Collaborate with suppliers to assess capacity, transportation logistics, inventory management practices, and delivery performance.
• Coordinate quality concerns, engineering changes, and product updates between suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Establish delivery schedules that balance customer requirements with inventory and financial objectives.

Process Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on planning methods, forecasting practices, inventory management, and supply chain efficiency.
• Apply lean principles and inventory management techniques such as Kanban, PFEP, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Support Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) activities by preparing reports, presenting data, and contributing to business planning discussions.
• Analyze operational performance metrics and provide recommendations to improve service levels and reduce waste.
• Participate in special projects and other duties as assigned.

Disclaimer:

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. The company reserves the right to modify duties or assign additional responsibilities as necessary to meet business needs. Other duties as assigned.

What Makes This Role Unique

• Best-in-Class Tech: Represent a highly differentiated automation platform
• Strategic Impact: Directly influences product availability, customer satisfaction, and inventory performance across the U.S. organization.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partners closely with Sales, Customer Service, Engineering, Quality, Marketing, and global suppliers.
• Continuous Improvement Focus: Opportunities to drive meaningful process enhancements and operational efficiencies.

What We’re Looking For – Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Industrial Technology, Business, or a related field preferred.
• Understanding of demand forecasting, inventory planning, purchasing, and inventory control principles.
• Experience supporting purchase-to-stock, configure-to-order, and engineer-to-order environments.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and supply chain planning concepts, including techniques such as Kanban and PFEP.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, and experience utilizing ERP systems for planning, purchasing, and inventory management.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and prioritization skills with strong attention to detail.
• Effective communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to collaborate across departments and work with external suppliers.
• Ability to work independently, demonstrate initiative, and develop creative solutions in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong customer service mindset, sense of urgency, accountability, and commitment to achieving results.

Work Location

This position follows a hybrid work model, requiring employees to be on-site at our Beckhoff US Headquarters in Savage, MN, with the flexibility to work remotely on other business days. This schedule supports collaboration while offering work-life balance.

Travel

This position requires varying travel ranging from 0-5% which may include day trips, overnight stays, and occasional extended travel depending on business needs. Travel may be local, regional, or national. All travel-related expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with company policy. Candidates must be able to meet the travel requirements of the role, and reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

What We Offer

At Beckhoff Automation USA, our privately held, family-owned culture empowers candid collaboration, the freedom to create innovative solutions, and strong relationships built around cutting-edge technology and shared purpose.

• Generous Paid Time Off + 12 Paid Holidays
• Employer paid High-Deductible Medical plan, Dental, and Vision for Employee + Family!
• 401(k) with up to 6% employer match
• Employer-Paid Insurance: Life, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Elective Benefits: Accident, Critical Illness, Indemnity, and Pet Insurance
• Professional Development Opportunities

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Ability to stand and sit for extended periods.
• Ability to use a computer screen for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and move as needed to perform job duties.
• Manual dexterity for operating tools and equipment.
• Adequate vision and hearing to perform essential tasks safely.

About Beckhoff

At Beckhoff, automation is our calling. We empower engineers to differentiate and succeed as industry leaders –– to harness new technologies, embrace open standards and solve the world’s most complex problems. Founded and led by engineers, we organically create advanced controls, communication, IoT, and motion technologies that become unique tools for your one-of-a-kind challenges in an age of digital transformation.

As a global partner with U.S. headquarters in Minneapolis, we remain committed to sustainability, inclusivity, and support for the people behind the automation. So, whether you’re powering the EV revolution, dazzling on Broadway, launching satellites, or developing fusion energy solutions – you can reach new heights for your business, industry, and humankind.

Beckhoff is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, participate in an interview, or otherwise take part in the recruitment process, please contact our Talent & Culture Team.