The Buyer/Planner II is responsible for purchasing materials and supplies from an approved supplier list. Scheduling production and releasing work orders to support plant capacity and customer requirements. Managing inbound logistics for purchased material from supply base, utilizing Transportation Management System (TMS). Participate in continuous improvement projects for waste elimination and cost reduction. Essential Functions: • Manages ERP material planning work bench by creating, releasing, and maintaining purchase orders and work orders as required to support demand requirements. • Responsible for weighing appropriate risk factors when making buy decisions, supporting inventory targets. • Controls documents pertaining to the supply base. • Drive resolution of material constraints through direct intervention with suppliers. • Conduct production meetings with plant management to ensure work order, sales order schedules and customer promise dates are achieved. • Manage, maintain, and track internal build and ship schedule attainment, work very closely with manufacturing plant management team to ensure schedule execution. • Work supply shortage report and open PO report to eliminate supply constraints. • Manage inbound material utilizing TMS, select carriers for best price and service levels, file damage claims as required. • Responsible for identifying and implementing cost reduction activities using optimized processes, while achieving maximum leverage of spend, competitive sourcing and supplier collaboration to reduce costs. • Responsible for evaluating inventories of purchased material and for driving inventory reduction initiatives through improved buying methodology, process improvement and other inventory management tools. • Strive for procurement process optimization and waste elimination. • Responsible for compliance with all applicable standards and local regulations for assigned locations. • All other duties as assigned. Experience, Education, & License Requirements: • Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Supply Chain, or related field required. • 3-5 years of experience in similar role preferred. • Experience negotiating with suppliers • ERP / MRP system experience required, preferably SAP. • Ability to travel as required. Skills & Abilities: • Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint skills • Excellent verbal and written communication skills • Excellent time management skills. • SAP, Infor Visual or other ERP Competencies: • Facilitates collaboration/teamwork • Communication • Customer focus • Integrity & trust • Continuous improvement • Adaptability/flexibility • Accountability/drive for results • Planning & organizing • Critical thinking/learning agility • Influence/lead without authority The Benefits... • Medical, dental, vision benefits the first day of the month after hire • Market-leading 401(k) program with company match • 100% tuition reimbursement • Career development and advancement opportunities • Flexible work environment