Overview

The Buyer/Planner will procure component parts to fulfill customer requirements according to the standard procurement and inventory management processes at Iovance Cell Therapy Center (iCTC) located in Navy Yard, PA. The Buyer/Planner will follow business rules that govern lot sizes, lead times, and other parameters of orders. The Buyer/Planner will also take responsive action to customer changes in specifications, order quantity, delivery dates and negotiate pricing.

Specific Responsibilities

• Balance on hand inventory, demand and associated lead times to optimize inventory levels through various management programs such as Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), KanBan systems, min/max leveling, off-site storage facilities, etc.
• Issue purchase orders for component parts based off demand using relevant MRP system to drive order cadence.
• Ensure inventory accuracy by monitoring inventory through floor observation and cycle counts, and when necessary determines root cause for variances and analyzes and recommends preventive measures or process modifications.
• Analyze forecast and work with vendors with long lead time components, work to combine buys and reduce costs.
• Obtain approval for POs of significant value in accordance with approval authorization levels prior to placement with supplier.
• Identify and leverage opportunities for continuous improvement and manage financial risk. Analyze purchase price variances compared to quote.
• Assist with supplier negotiations to drive lower costs, establish rebate programs and improve payment and delivery terms.
• Effectively communicates required dates to vendors and follow-up on delivery dates as needed.
• Process vendor changes by appropriately submitting change controls when necessary and adjusting inventory management systems accordingly, issue and track SCARS when necessary.
• Monitor, measure, and report vendor performance by using vendor score card.
• Ensure on-time delivery of component parts and communicate any issues to area management.
• Expedite overdue component purchase orders with vendors to support production and facilities activity.
• Coordinate and monitor applicable testing and release activities with appropriate internal and external quality control laboratory testing facilities in accordance with Master Schedule.
• Replan and reschedule component open orders as a result of scheduling changes to reflect revised quantity or ship date requirements.
• Monitor material status and effectively communicates obsolete & expired materials to the organization and facilitates inventory meetings with organization to review aged inventory and necessary disposition.
• Performs other duties as assigned by leader.

Education and Qualifications

• 3-5 years procurement experience in a high-volume cGMP production or manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of MRP/ERP systems, APICS Certification is an asset.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, Outlook.
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines.
• Strong interpersonal and team-building skills, effective communication (both written and verbal), proactive problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Possess the ability to bridge relationships between various departments, levels of the organization, supplier and customer organizations.
• Excellent organization skills and an ability to prioritize effectively to deliver results within reasonably established guidelines.
• Must be comfortable in a fast-paced small company environment with minimal direction and able to adjust workload based upon changing priorities with a strong attention to detail.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including overtime and weekends.

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to enable individuals to perform essential functions. Please contact Human Resources for further assistance.

Physical Demands and Activities Required (This would need to be adjusted by HRBP depending on the position and needs using the assessment form)

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to move about inside an office and exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Must have visual acuity to perform activities such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures, viewing a computer screen, and extensive reading.
• This position requires repetitive motion, substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
• Must be able to communicate with others to exchange information.

Mental: Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment, troubleshooting, problem-solving, analysis, and discretion; ability to handle work-related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines

Work Environment

This job works in a professional office environment and a manufacturing lab setting. Potential exposure to latex, bleach, loud noise, lab equipment hazards, strong odors, and chemical/biochemical is possible.  Requires operating standard office equipment and keyboards.

The statements contained in this document are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a colleague assigned to this description. They are not intended to constitute a comprehensive list of functions, duties, or local variances. Management retains the discretion to add or to change the duties of the position at any time.

Iovance is committed to cultivating and offering a diverse and inclusive work environment. As an equal-opportunity employer, our employees and applicants will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you need assistance or accommodation to apply to one of our opportunities, please contact careers@iovance.com.

By voluntarily providing information and clicking “Submit Application”, you explicitly consent to the collection and use of your personal information for the purposes described above and in our Candidate Privacy Notice. 

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