Sr. Buyer/ Planner

As a Buyer/Planner, you will be responsible for managing the procurement of materials and components necessary for manufacturing in the medical device and aerospace industries. This role ensures timely delivery, cost efficiency, and compliance with industry regulations. You will collaborate closely with suppliers, production teams, and cross-functional departments to maintain production schedules and support operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

Procurement and Sourcing:

• Source and purchase raw materials, components, and finished goods for manufacturing in the medical device and aerospace industries.

• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and lead times with suppliers, ensuring cost-effectiveness and adherence to quality standards.

• Maintain and manage supplier relationships to ensure reliability and quality of supply.

• Ensure all purchased materials meet regulatory and quality requirements specific to the medical device and aerospace industries.

Production Planning:

• Develop and manage production schedules based on demand forecasts, sales orders, and inventory levels.

• Work with production teams to ensure materials are available in the right quantities and at the right time to meet production targets.

• Monitor inventory levels to prevent shortages or excess stock, ensuring a continuous production flow.

• Collaborate with manufacturing and engineering teams to adjust plans based on changes in production needs or material availability.

Inventory Management:

• Oversee inventory control processes to maintain optimal stock levels for raw materials and finished goods.

• Implement inventory strategies that minimize waste while ensuring the availability of critical materials.

• Coordinate with warehouse teams to ensure accurate inventory records and efficient material storage.

Compliance & Quality:

• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, ISO 13485, AS9100) in sourcing, procurement, and inventory management.

• Work with the Quality Assurance (QA) team to ensure all materials and components meet industry-specific quality standards.

• Address quality issues with suppliers or within the production process in a timely manner.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate with Engineering, R&D, and Quality teams to address new product development needs or design changes affecting material procurement and production planning.

• Communicate with sales and marketing teams to align production plans with customer demand and business objectives.

• Provide regular reports on material availability, inventory status, and production planning progress.

Continuous Improvement:

• Identify opportunities for cost savings, process efficiencies, and improvements in procurement and planning activities.

• Participate in supplier performance evaluations and work with suppliers to resolve issues and enhance performance.

• Stay up to date with industry trends, new suppliers, and best practices in procurement and production planning.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.

• A certification such as CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management) is a plus.

Experience:

• 5 years of experience in procurement, purchasing, and/or production planning, preferably within the medical device, aerospace, healthcare, or other regulated industries.

• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements for the medical device (e.g., FDA, ISO 13485) and aerospace (e.g., AS9100) industries.

• Experience with ERP systems (SAP or similar) and inventory management software.

Skills:

• Strong negotiation and communication skills.

• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.

• Ability to analyze and interpret supply chain, inventory, and production data.

• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

Work Environment:

• Office-based with occasional visits to manufacturing and supplier sites.

• Fast-paced setting with tight deadlines, requiring strong multitasking and prioritization skills.

• Collaborative, team-oriented environment with a focus on quality, compliance, and customer satisfaction.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

• Professional development and career growth opportunities.

• Retirement plan options