Buyer Planner

Overview
Primary responsibilities for the professional in this position is to plan, organize, direct, control, and implement effective planning and sourcing core processes and activities to ensure continuous supply of materials, an achievable production plan to support sales objectives, both in terms of units and on-time shipments. Interact with other functional groups such as with sales, partner customer service, manufacturing, product release, and quality control to ensure adherence to the scheduling process. The successful candidate possesses exceptional interpersonal skills, is an excellent communicator, both verbally and in writing, is required to work on multiple projects at once, and demonstrates an ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
Responsibilities

• Review raw material and component availability against the current production schedule and resolve any material shortages with the Supplier assuring timely delivery and minimal impact on the quality and manufacturing operations.
• Generates and adjusts blanket purchase releases in support of the production schedule requirements, monitor and report on back-order and low-stock materials.
• Coordinate with the Strategic Sourcing function to assure that raw material and component purchase plans are in step with future forecasted production requirements.
• Support and provides input to the development of a firm production schedule based on forecast requirements and actual customer demand, new product launch and non-commercial activities assuring compliance to customer request dates and project timelines/objectives.
• Coordinate partner's request for order changes and abnormal demand assuring optimum utilization of resources including materials, equipment and manpower.
• Works closely with manufacturing counterparts to assure a level load capacity plan for the production operation and the work schedule
• Maintains accurate dates on Scheduling Workbench by Work center report and tracks performance to schedule
• Works closely with manufacturing counterparts to direct the preparation of the production schedules to ensure optimum utilization of all resources in achieving delivery objectives.
• Maintain appropriate control of inventory levels consistent with Company requirements to ensure prompt reaction and disposition when demand fluctuations occur.
• Supports and participates in non-commercial project activities (i.e. Technical Services, R&D, etc.)
• Act as a liaison between external partners, internal departments and/or individuals communicating areas of concern to resolve issues and negotiate solutions.
• Audit and maintain ERP system integrity; demand requirements, bills of material, routines, inventory levels, for areas of department and/or individual responsibility as defined by company or department guidelines.
• Prepare and present departmental performance reports to top Management; resolve problems and negotiate solutions.
• Assumes additional related responsibilities as required.

Qualifications
Competencies:
Execute and Delivers: Focus on the key inputs for the business and deliver them with the right quality and on a timely fashion. Despite setbacks, rises to the occasion and never settle
Possess and Own: Think long-term values, does not settle for short-term results. Act on behalf of the company, goes beyond their own team and responsibilities.
Bias for Action: Seize opportunities and attacks projects with a real sense of urgency balancing the risk for the reward.
Set Highest Standards: Inspire, motivates and delivers extraordinary performance.
Education / Experience:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent with a minimum of 3 to 5 years of job-related experience, including three years in a regulated manufacturing environment. Computer literate with high proficiency in ERP software. Knowledge of current demand management, production scheduling, and sourcing practices. Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to establish and maintain professional relationships. Professional and customer service demeanor. Knowledge of FDA regulations, cGMP, and JD Edwards experience a plus.
Judgment / Decision Making:
Works on complex problems where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of various factors. Exercises judgment within broadly defined practices and policies in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
Work Environment:
Air-conditioned office environment. Majority of time spent sitting at desk, operating computer and talking on the phone.
Physical Demands:
Visual acuity and manual dexterity required operating computer. Minor lifting required.