Material Buyer & Planner for a Top-Tier Lighting Manufacturer

Our client is a top-tier lighting manufacturer known for designing and producing premium modular downlighting systems that deliver exceptional performance, adaptability, and aesthetic appeal. Their reputation is built on a foundation of superior design, engineering innovation, and dedicated customer service. They are seeking a Material Buyer/Planner to join their team and be responsible for evaluating inventory positions, maintaining accurate forecasts, and procuring the materials and components needed to support monthly production and sales objectives.

This is a full-time, on-site position based in Carson, requiring attendance in the office five days per week.

Responsibilities:
- Manage a high volume of buying and planning activity within a dynamic and high-performance team
- Create, release, and manage purchase orders while coordinating material needs to maintain a steady flow of approved components that meet production and sales schedules
- Work closely with suppliers on forecast updates, engineering changes, schedule adjustments, material discrepancies, and delivery expectations, assisting with negotiation as needed
- Solicit and review supplier quotations, evaluate bids, and recommend award decisions
- Monitor inventory levels and maintain purchasing forecasts across all product categories to meet defined service targets
- Ensure the accuracy and integrity of ERP data, particularly within fields related to material planning and supply requirements
- Review MRP-generated plans and execute supply strategies for all material components
- Partner with other Buyers and Finance team to identify slow-moving inventory and track inventory turnover performance
- Contribute to demand planning within the S&OP process and participate in forecast alignment discussions to ensure accuracy across teams
- Collaborate with cross-functional partners to manage product transitions and support full product lifecycle activities
- Investigate and resolve issues related to backorders, fill rates, and delivery performance; conduct root-cause analyses for stockouts, delays, and non-conforming materials to drive long-term corrective actions
- Support cost-reduction and productivity initiatives such, alternate sourcing strategies, supplier consolidation, and global sourcing programs
- Complete special projects and other tasks as assigned by Purchasing leadership and the Operations team

Qualifications:
- 3+ years of experience in supply/demand planning, forecasting, inventory management, or broader supply chain operations, including familiarity with ERP planning systems
- Bachelor's degree, required; APICS certifications (CPIM, CSCP, or CFPIM) are a plus
- Strong analytical, strategic, and organizational abilities; detail-oriented, proactive, and capable of working with minimal oversight
- Proficiency with ERP systems, Demand Solutions, and related planning tools (Oracle experience preferred)
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
- Highly skilled in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- Ability to complete assignments within required timelines set by Purchasing and Supply Chain leadership
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across all organizational levels
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, wearing many hats, and juggling multiple priorities simultaneously
- Proven ability to deliver on key operational metrics and lead process-improvement initiatives

Compensation: Targeting a base salary of $75-90k