Buyer/Planner

Job DescriptionJob Description

Position Title: Buyer/Planner Department: Supply Chain

Reports To: Senior Supply Chain Manager FLSA: Exempt

GENERAL SUMMARY

We are seeking a detail-oriented Buyer/Planner to manage our direct supply planning and procurement activities. As a key member of our Supply Chain team, you will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing supplier relationships to ensure cost-effective and high-quality purchases, while also driving demand planning and inventory optimization. You will play a critical role in supporting customer demand, maintaining purchasing compliance, and ensuring adequate supply to support company operations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Source, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers to secure the best pricing, quality, and delivery terms.
• Develop and maintain purchasing plans based on demand forecasts, sales inputs, and historical data.
• Monitor inventory levels, analyze supply and demand trends, and collaborate with internal teams to forecast purchasing needs.
• Manage vendor onboarding, offboarding, and ongoing supplier performance evaluation and contract management.
• Process purchase orders, track shipments, ensure vendors are paid timely, and resolve any issues within the procure-to-pay process.
• Use data analytics and data-driven decision making to identify trends, optimize inventory, and support strategic procurement decisions.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and support procurement and planning process improvement initiatives using Continuous Improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Kaizen).
• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and ethical standards.
• Work independently to manage day-to-day buying and planning tasks while proactively escalating issues to the Manager as appropriate.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain accurate records of purchases, supplier agreements, pricing, and planning data.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Finance, Operations, Engineering, and Sales to align purchasing and planning with business needs and budget.
• Support continuous improvement projects and participate in cross-functional team initiatives.
• Other responsibilities as needed.

PREPARATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• 1-2 years of Buyer and/or Planner experience in medical device manufacturing or supply chain environment; associate degree or higher in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with supplier management, including performance evaluation, contract negotiation, and relationship development.
• Strong data analytics skills; proficient in data-driven decision making to support procurement and planning activities.
• Experience with Continuous Improvement methodologies such as Six Sigma, Kaizen, or Lean principles.
• Proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel; experience with ERP or MRP systems is a plus.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally across teams.
• Self-motivated and comfortable working independently; able to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment while knowing when to escalate issues to management.
• Experience in a small business or startup environment working with FDA compliance is preferred.