Buyer / Planner

Job Title: Buyer/Planner

Reports To: Materials Manager

Department: Purchasing and Materials

Location: Toledo, OH

General Function

The Buyer/Planner is responsible for purchasing raw materials, tooling, parts, components, services, and other miscellaneous products to meet the production and business demands. This role evaluates supplier quotes, negotiates pricing, maintains vendor relationships, and manages the timeline of all incoming products.

Responsibilities

• Source, negotiate, and select vendors that meet the company’s quality, price, and delivery requirements
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with vendors and suppliers
• Monitor supplier performance in terms of cost, quality, and delivery
• Review and analyze purchase requisitions and generate purchase orders
• Observe and control inventory levels to ensure minimum stock levels are always maintained
• Manage timelines for all incoming items and ensure timely delivery
• Resolve invoice discrepancies with vendors
• Retain accurate records of purchases, pricing, and other important procurement data
• Prepare reports on purchase activity and supplier performance
• Control the cost of purchased materials within budget and generate cost reduction action plans
• Create and maintain schedules for production and plant projects, coordinate tasks, and manage resources
• Other duties as assigned

Required Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in business, logistics, supply chain management, or related field
• 5 years of experience in purchasing, buying, and/or planning preferred
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
• Strong knowledge of purchasing principles and procedures
• Professionalism with a positive attitude and ethical standards
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint) Experience with QAD is a plus
• Able to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, often working simultaneously on multiple varied tasks
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with strong

Working Conditions

Typical office working environment and occasional trips to the production floor and tool cribs for inventory purposes.

Physical Component

Standing and walking up to 30% of work time.