Buyer/Planner

Buyer/Planner

Location: Orlando, FL
Job Category: Procurement
Position Type: Permanent / Direct Hire
Work Arrangement: On-Site
Salary: upto$95k annually

Position Summary

The Buyer/Planner will coordinate procurement and material-planning activities to ensure the timely availability of raw materials and components while optimizing inventory levels, controlling costs, and maintaining strong supplier relationships. The role works closely with Production, Engineering, Logistics, Shipping & Receiving, and other cross-functional teams to align supply with demand and support operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze demand forecasts, production schedules, and inventory targets to develop material plans.
• Ensure timely availability of raw materials and components for manufacturing operations.
• Monitor inventory levels to prevent shortages, excess inventory, and obsolescence.
• Issue and manage purchase orders, including confirmations, changes, and expediting.
• Source and evaluate suppliers based on cost, quality, and delivery performance.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and terms with suppliers as appropriate.
• Track supplier performance and address delivery or quality issues.
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering, and Logistics to align material requirements.
• Communicate material risks, delays, and mitigation strategies to stakeholders.
• Create and/or firm production orders for assigned work centers.
• Apply critical thinking to ensure production and material plans are attainable.
• Identify and resolve material shortages and communicate issues to appropriate teams.
• Maintain accurate data within ERP/MRP systems.
• Analyze KPIs including inventory turns, service levels, and supplier performance.
• Identify and implement cost-saving and process-improvement opportunities.
• Support the Master Planner with assigned planning and coordination activities.
• Provide backup support to Shipping & Receiving as needed.
• Drive continuous improvement within planning functions.
• Report on defined KPIs.
• Maintain a safe and clean work environment while adhering to 5S and GMP policies.

Required Qualifications

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Strong understanding of supply chain, procurement, and inventory-planning principles.
• Ability to interpret demand forecasts and develop actionable material plans.
• Knowledge of Bills of Materials (BOMs) and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems such as D365, SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong negotiation and supplier-management capabilities.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work with ITAR-controlled data without a license.
• Knowledge of electronics specifications and BOMs is a plus.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Management, Supply Chain, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience or a 2-year technical degree will be considered.
• 2–5+ years of experience in purchasing, planning, or supply chain within a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in production planning, materials planning, or related administrative/ERP support roles.