Senior Buyer/Planner

The Senior Buyer/Planner position plans and purchases components, sub-assemblies, and finished goods to support customer requests as well as marketing/sales forecasts. The role works closely with Engineering on New Product Introduction (NPI) projects and prototypes by scheduling components and identifying parts issues such as lead times, costs, availability, etc.

Hybrid

• Issue work orders to the manufacturing floor, resolving problems in assembly or engineering paperwork. Work with Engineering on finding solutions to production and material issues as they arise. 
• Define needs, determine build quantity, and schedule all work for the manufacturing department.
• Manage and assist both local and overseas Contract Manufacturers (CMs) with parts issues and assembly problems, including locating parts to satisfy customer shipment dates. 
• Purchase materials and manage the build of prototypes as well as engineering projects with Contract Manufacturers. 
• Manage Customer order pull-ins from Customer Service Representatives (CSR), working with Contract Manufacturer (CM) and CSR on solutions. 
• Monitor daily shipping schedules and forecasts for Contract Manufacturers' deliveries. Monitor backlog daily to make sure scheduled shipments ship as scheduled. 
• Schedule all new Sales Orders (New Order Requests, NOR), and give ship dates to Customer Service Reps (CSRs) by researching build schedules and lead times.
• Originate, approve, and add all attributes to new parts in Omnify/Glovia System for all module-related components and sub-assemblies. Ensure all documentation is attached and clearly understood before approval.
• Identify components for Contract Manufacturers to purchase from Duluth to lower inventory and ship to the Contract Manufacturers accordingly.
• Track and report Contract Manufacturers' on time delivery. Run shortage reports, purchase, and track all short components.

• Research price breaks and alternate items for better prices as well as delivery. Negotiate pricing for purchased parts and assemblies.
• Perform "what-if" scenarios on parts availability and reschedule deliveries as needed.
• Key Performance Indicator (KPI) metrics for purchasing.
• Research monthly cycle count inventory discrepancies.
• Fill in for others in the operations group when others are out, wearing many hats.

• Bachelor's degree in a related technical field. 
• 3+ years' experience with contract manufacturing, purchasing, planning, and strategic sourcing.  
• Experience working with Engineering on New Product Introductions.
• Familiar with ISO for Purchasing, Production, Quality, and Shipping.
• Willing to grow within the function, contribute within cross-functional groups, and be flexible with availability given the global nature of business.
• Action-oriented self-starter who works well under pressure and has a hands-on, flexible approach, along with being able to handle multiple activities simultaneously.

Experience with electronic components, distribution, electronic manufacturing, Contract Manufacturers, and RF or wireless technologies preferred.