Sr. Buyer/Planner

The Senior Buyer/Planner plays a key role in managing procurement and inventory planning to ensure optimal product availability across multiple distribution centers. Reporting to the Director of Purchasing, this position requires a strategic, detail-oriented professional capable of managing supplier relationships, optimizing inventory, and implementing cost-effective purchasing strategies aligned with organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Procurement Management: Lead the purchasing of goods and materials to meet customer and operational needs. Negotiate pricing, terms, and conditions with suppliers to achieve favorable outcomes.
• Inventory Planning and Optimization: Utilize forecasting and planning tools to manage inventory across multiple locations. Balance availability with cost efficiency to reduce stockouts, overstock, and obsolescence.
• Supplier Collaboration: Maintain strong relationships with current suppliers and identify new sourcing opportunities. Monitor and address supplier performance issues.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Use analytics tools to evaluate purchasing trends, supplier metrics, and inventory levels. Apply insights to improve supply chain operations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with internal teams such as sales, finance, logistics, and merchandising to align purchasing strategies with business goals.
• Problem Resolution: Address supply chain disruptions, including delays and long lead times. Develop contingency plans to mitigate risks.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement opportunities to enhance procurement processes, reduce costs, and improve efficiency.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience in purchasing, planning, or supply chain roles.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and knowledge of MRP and inventory optimization.
• Experience with data analytics tools.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities for effective collaboration.
• Industry-specific experience is a plus.
• Professional supply chain certification (e.g., APICS or equivalent) preferred.