Buyer / Planner

Primary Purpose of Position:

The Buyer/Planner is a hybrid role responsible for regionally supporting sourcing, planning, negotiating and purchase of direct/indirect materials and services for assigned commodities to meet the company’s operational requirements and meet customer demand. Monitor purchase price variance and make recommendations to management regarding cost updates and price reduction opportunities. Assist in material management of raw materials and/or component parts to the manufacturing locations and validate material is available for production when needed. This includes ensuring the material is shipped on time and received/stored accurately. This role communicates directly with the supply base on any supply issues and works with internal partners on quality and inventory issues. This role also communicates directly with transportation teams for in-transit events tracking. 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Supports a streamlined procurement process (from RFQ to Receipt) that focuses on solid communications between Stow employees and suppliers

o    Evaluates potential new suppliers for assigned commodities and plant 

o    Negotiates contracts, improved prices and terms of business with suppliers and reviews opportunities to achieve savings

o    Provides sourcing recommendations to management for review and approval with a TCO mindset

o    Purchases direct/indirect materials, components or services in line with specified quality, delivery, and cost targets

o    Ensures the best continuous supply of required goods and materials

o    Researches and evaluates areas of opportunity and reduces costs where possible

o    Places blanket purchase agreements, long term contracts, tooling purchase orders, spot buys, etc.

o    Analyzes material requirements and initiates appropriate vendor material release schedules.

o    Maintains inventory levels to ensure an uninterrupted supply of material while at the same time, operating within established ordering rule constraints

o    Continuously monitors ongoing material requirements

o    Coordinates external logistics with suppliers to minimize inbound costs

o    Reviews excess and obsolete inventory and provides management recommendation for disposition

o    Focuses on continuous improvement to manage supply at the most efficient cost

o    Assists with stock transfer between plants

o    Manages supplier capacity constraints to support S&OP rough cut capacity inputs

• Leads supplier quality issues for assigned commodities
• Supports a highly dynamic supply base which complements Stow’s goals & objectives

o    Delivers and updates reports as required (Variance analysis, Budget forecasts, KPI updates, Supplier Scorecards, etc.)

o    Establishes and maintains a professional working relationship with supply base

o    Supports vendor material planners when necessary to resolve routine issues such as past-due POs, match exceptions, discrepancies with freight charges and freight billings, price/invoice issue resolution, updating/incrementing POs, etc.

o    Analyzes and report significant vendor delivery problems to department manager

• Participates in implementation of engineering changes and new model introductions leading procurement activities

 BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

 Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in supply chain or operations with a minimum of 3-5 years in planning, supply chain and/or operations experience

Certifications/Licenses/Registrations:

• APICS training/advanced certification preferred 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of manufacturing and supply chain concepts and parts flow
• Effective at developing and using standardized work
• Understanding of lean concepts
• Experience in scenario planning and/or forecast modeling
• Understands and employs basic change management methodology
• Uses logic and problem-solving tools to develop plans to meet targets and look forward proactively and to prioritize
• Can lead conversations with suppliers in a proactive, productive manner
• Proficiency in MS Excel required
• Intermediate/Advanced experience in ERP systems, preferably Manage2000 or SAP
• Interpersonal skills in order to work effectively with individuals both internally and externally to The Stow Company
• Must have excellent customer service skills; including strong written and verbal communication skills
• Must have the ability to interface with all levels of personnel in an office and a manufacturing environment
• Ability to take the initiative and work well independently with little supervision, and as part of a team

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Sitting at workstation approximately X percent of work time
• Standing and walking approximately X percent of work time
• Must be able to travel between plant and office locations
• Ability to work overtime or occasionally on weekends with short notice
• Typical office environment with shelves overhead and above work surfaces
• Manufacturing environment with multiple machinery and moving parts

The Stow Company may temporarily assign any team member with duties outside of their normal responsibilities. Such assignments may be warranted due to a variety of specific requirements, conditions and/or the capabilities of available personnel. Management will determine the nature and duration of those assignments.