Internal Applications Only: Buyer Planner

We are only accepting internal applications at this time, No other applications will be reviewed by the team.

BUYER PLANNER

SUMMARY
As an integral part of the purchasing team, the Procurement Buyer Planner will be responsible for managing the procurement needs for Nature's Way products. This includes managing the day-to-day material needs for the production of goods sold by the company. The Procurement Buyer Planner will be responsible for managing our supplier relationships to ensure the best service, price and delivery times while also maintaining minimal inventory levels and maximizing inventory turns. Additionally, the Procurement Buyer Planner will ensure that all materials meet Nature's Way's high-quality standards. The Procurement Buyer Planner will report to the Procurement Manager and together they will work to achieve Nature's Way's purchasing and planning goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Responsible for all day-to-day tactical functions within the purchasing team:
  • Manage the issuance of purchase orders for materials (raw materials, packaging, printed packaging) and service (contract manufacturing) to support manufacturing (internal/external) of finished goods and end-item deliveries required by forecast and the production schedule in SAP or as requested by management.
  • Determine and establish optimal inventory levels based on forecast, demand variation and material lead times and adequate inventory are maintained to prevent product outages and meet our customer fill rate requirements.
  • Maintain inventories ensuring that company funds are used efficiently, and adequate inventory is maintained to prevent product outages and meet our customer order fill rate requirements.
  • Coordinate material flows throughout product/BOM changes, obsolescence, and the introduction of new suppliers and/or materials due to new product development.
  • Monitor open purchase orders and purchase order acknowledgements for all orders to ensure on-time deliveries.
  • Ownership of a strong working relationship and communication with manufacturing, co-manufactured, contract manufactures and key suppliers to confirm production/shipping schedule. Proactively report product and material availability issues.
  • Collaborate with internal cross functional customers, in particular planning, Inventory and Strategic Sourcing Teams to provide a high level of customer service, including recommending solutions, resources and alternative supply options.
  • Act as an interface between suppliers, planning, inventory and Strategic Sourcing teams and other relevant department on purchasing processes and new projects and activities, to resolve price, quality, and delivery issues. Work with Finance to resolve invoice discrepancies. Confer and coordinate with suppliers to obtain information such as price, availability, and delivery schedule for materials.
  • Provide forecasts and open order reports to suppliers. Conduct scheduled communications with suppliers to ensure compliance with report.
  • Review planning system to ensure continuity of supply and expediting or deferring purchase orders to meet company requirements.
  • Communicate material needs and shipments with domestic and overseas suppliers.
  • Work with custom brokers to clear imports.
  • Work with distribution and warehouse receiving to resolve shipment issues and expedite needs.
  • Communicate with Transportation to ensure timely pick up from manufacturing and delivery to other suppliers, distribution centers or end-order fulfillment.
  • Review the TMS for inbound shipments as needed.
  • Discuss defective or unacceptable goods or services with inspection or quality control personnel, users, suppliers, and others to determine source of non-compliance and take corrective action.
  • Assist with evaluating supplier performances for supplier risk mitigation.
  • Assist strategic sourcing with opportunities to drive cost savings initiatives and reduce Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
  • Maintain procurement records such as items purchased, costs, delivery, product quality or performance, and inventories.
  • Own SAP MRP of lead times to ensure they are reflected accurately.
  • Monitor and report key performance metrics, including purchase price variance (PPV), inventories, shortage and supplier performance.
  • Handle incoming phone calls and inquiries, and meet with suppliers when necessary.
  • Adhere to any safety, health and environmental policies and procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of self, staff and visitors.

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in business, operations management, supply chain, or a minimum of three years of supply chain or related experience.
• Knowledge or work experience with cGMPs and FDA regulations is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of ERP concept, with preferred skills in SAP.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel.