Job Summary:
The Junior Buyer/Planner is responsible for supporting material planning and procurement activities to ensure the timely availability of materials, components, and services required for manufacturing operations. This role works closely with suppliers, Production, Engineering, Quality, and other internal stakeholders to maintain inventory levels, coordinate deliveries, and support uninterrupted production while meeting company objectives for cost, quality, and service.
Previous Education/Experience
- High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations, or a related field preferred
- One to two years of purchasing, planning, inventory control, customer service, operations, or related experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment
- Experience working with electronic components, electro-mechanical assemblies, or manufactured products preferred
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems preferred; Sage 100 experience a plus
- Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook
- Ability to utilize spreadsheets and business systems for data analysis, reporting, and inventory management
- A suitable combination of education, training, and experience will be considered
Required Skills/Competencies
- Understanding of supply chain management and purchasing principles
- Basic understanding of inventory management concepts, including inventory turns, reorder points, safety stock, and purchasing performance metrics
- Understanding of manufacturing lead times, bill of materials (BOMs), production workflows, and basic material planning concepts
- Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, reporting, and inventory planning
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while remaining aligned with company objectives
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to transactional and documentation accuracy
- Ability to work independently on assigned responsibilities while seeking guidance when appropriate
- Excellent organizational and follow-through (follow-up) skills
- Sense of urgency and ability to respond effectively to changing priorities
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate data, identify issues, and make sound recommendations; demonstrates a proactive, problem-solving mindset
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build productive relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders while demonstrating professionalism, tact, and diplomacy
- Ability to obtain supplier quotations, support negotiations, and resolve routine supplier-related issues
- Customer-service mindset with the ability to support internal stakeholders and respond effectively to changing business needs
- Ethical and trustworthy
- Ability to learn new systems, processes, and products quickly
- Willingness to question the status quo and propose improvements with a continuous improvement mindset
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, and perform other physical activities, including manual dexterity, required to complete assigned job duties
Job Responsibilities (E=Essential Function)
The duties and responsibilities of the Junior Buyer/Planner include, but are not limited to, the following:
E: Monitor inventory levels and assist in forecasting material requirements based on production schedules, sales forecasts, inventory targets, and lead times.
E: Create and manage purchase orders for raw materials, components, outsourced services, MRO supplies, tools, and equipment.
E: Track orders from placement through delivery, ensuring accuracy of quantities, specifications, pricing, and delivery dates.
E: Follow up with suppliers regarding order acknowledgments, shipment status, and delivery commitments.
E: Monitor material requirements and adjust procurement and replenishment plans to avoid shortages while minimizing excess inventory.
E: Build effective working relationships with suppliers to proactively address discrepancies, delays, quality concerns, and delivery issues.
E: Support cost-reduction initiatives by identifying alternative suppliers, obtaining competitive quotations, and negotiating better terms.
E: Maintain accurate purchasing, inventory, and supplier records in ERP/MRP systems (Sage) and related tracking tools (Excel).
E: Track, document, and implement change-management activities within internal Mantis database, including Administrative Change Orders (ACOs), Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), Corrective Actions, Waivers, and related documentation, ensuring accurate system updates and appropriate consideration of material planning and inventory impacts.
· Perform electronic inventory and purchasing transactions, including receiving, inventory adjustments, warehouse transfers, disassemblies, and related ERP activities to maintain inventory accuracy.
· Coordinate with Quality, Engineering, Production, and other departments to ensure accurate documentation and compliance with established procedures.
· Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve lead times, and optimize inventory turns.
· Other duties as assigned.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and exhibit an elevated level of the required skills/competencies. The requirements listed herein are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Accountability and Reporting:
· This position reports to the Materials Manager but may take direction or seek guidance from the COO and/or CAO.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
None
Pay: $25.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Ability to Commute:
- Amherst, NH 03031 (Required)
Work Location: In person
