Buyer / Planner

Buyer/Planner

Job: Buyer/Planner Location: Willowbrook Area, NW HTX Pay: $40 - $43/hr Schedule: Full Time, Temp to Hire!! Great Benefits while working with PrideStaff!

Job Description

The Buyer/Planner supports procurement and material planning activities to ensure essential materials are available and delivered on time to meet operational demands.

Reporting to the Purchasing/Procurement Manager, this individual will be responsible for issuing purchase orders, communicating with suppliers, and assisting in negotiating pricing and lead times. The Buyer/Planner works closely with internal sales, supply chain, and logistics teams to help maintain optimal inventory levels. This position also monitors material availability, resolves delivery issues, and proactively expedites orders when necessary to prevent operational interruptions. A strong attention to detail is essential for ensuring accurate procurement documentation and contributing to continuous improvement within purchasing and planning processes.

Procurement (Buyer) Responsibilities

• Issue and manage purchase orders to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of materials.
• Negotiate pricing and lead times with suppliers to support cost savings and performance improvement.
• Maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure timely material delivery and resolve any supply chain issues.
• Coordinate with supplier's transport, internal teams, and logistics providers to move product in the most cost-effective manner.
• Maintain accurate procurement records and documentation.

Planning & Inventory Management Responsibilities

• Collaborate with sales, procurement, and logistics teams to ensure optimal inventory levels that meet customer demand and production schedules.
• Monitor inventory and demand signals, proactively addressing material shortages, delays, or excess stock situations.
• Review material shortages and adjust planning parameters (e.g., lead times, safety stock) to ensure product availability and uninterrupted flow.
• Communicate planning changes across internal teams to align purchasing, production, and fulfillment activities.

Organizational Scope

• Key Internal Relationships:
• Business Development/Sales Team
• Regional Procurement Team
• Warehouse and Distribution Team
• Quality Team
• New Product Introduction (NPI) Team
• Purchasing Team

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Buyer/Planner in a distribution, supply chain, logistics, or manufacturing environment, balancing both procurement strategy and inventory planning.
• Strong understanding of end-to-end procurement workflows and demand/supply planning principles.
• Proficiency in managing ERP and material management software.
• Proficiency in analyzing demand trends, supplier performance, and inventory data to make informed purchasing decisions and support continuous planning improvements.
• Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills to manage supply chain disruptions and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes with suppliers.
• Excellent communication and organizational abilities to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in a buyer/planner or similar role.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related field.
• Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems (experience with Microsoft D365 or similar major systems highly valued).
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel).

Compensation / Pay Rate (Up to): $40.00 - $43.00 Per Hour