Job Summary:

The Buyer/Planner purchases goods and services in support of production, on behalf of the Company.  The Buyer/Planner’s functions differ from that of a Buyer in that he or she typically has little or no involvement in Supplier selection, negotiation, Measurement and Control of Supplier Performance, or Value Analysis.  The Buyer/Planner works closely with the Inventory Planner, and is authorized to enter into Purchase Order agreements with Suppliers/Vendors, within approval guidelines established by Purchasing and Materials Management.

Duties and Responsibilities:  

1. Follows cost reduction/containment policies and procedures for the benefit of the Company.
2. Establishes, maintains, and provides status reports on Purchase Orders with Suppliers and Vendors.
3. Purchases Production Materials and Services (as established by Engineering), for items previously ‘Contracted’ by a Purchasing Agent or Buyer, to a specific Supplier/Vendor, at an agreed-to price and lead-time.
4. May purchase ‘Non-Contracted’ items as directed by a Purchasing Agent or Buyer.
5. May purchase any and all of the following non-production required supplies:
1. Office, Janitorial, Safety, and miscellaneous supplies
2. Shipping and Receiving supplies
3. Printed forms.
6. Ensures acknowledgement of Purchase Orders with Supplier/Vendor.
7. Expedites late deliveries and updates Purchase Order Status Comments.
8. Reports any and all Purchase Variances to management.
9. Lends Purchasing support to Estimating activities.
10. Compiles miscellaneous reports as requested by the Purchasing Manager.
11. Follows all safety guidelines established by the Company, including proper use of safety equipment and relevant safety procedures.
12. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Attributes:

1. Exhibits and demands high ethical standards in relations with personnel, suppliers and customers.
   Good verbal and written communication skills. 
2. Strong attention to detail.

Education, Training and Experience:

Required:

1. Familiar with Word, Excel, and keyboarding. 
2. Passing score on AMT Basic Math Test. 
3. High school diploma. 
4. Completion of APICS training/certification in Basics of Supply Chain Management within 12 months of hire.

Preferred:

1. One to three years experience in MRP analysis and/or Purchasing.
2. APICS training/certification in Basics of Supply Chain Management.

Physical Demands:

Use of computer keyboard, mouse and multiline phone throughout the work day. 

Work Environment:

1. The Buyer/Planner is required to enter the warehouse and/or machine shop environment at times throughout the work day; this environment may include exposure to noise, dust, fumes, vapor from coolant, etc.
2. Industry standard safety equipment is provided by the Company, and specific notice is posted in areas where safety equipment is required. 
3. Safety training is required and provided by the Company in accordance with applicable law, industry standards, and Company policy.