Buyer​/Planner

Buyer/Planner Join Norman Equipment Company

Norman Equipment Company is a leading fluid power distributor serving customers throughout the Midwest. As a family-owned organization, we are committed to providing exceptional customer service, strong supplier partnerships, and innovative solutions that help our customers succeed.

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Buyer/Planner to support purchasing, inventory planning, supplier management, and continuous improvement initiatives. This position plays a critical role in ensuring product availability, maintaining inventory accuracy, and supporting operational excellence throughout the organization.

The Buyer/Planner is responsible for managing procurement and inventory planning activities to support customer demand while optimizing inventory investment and supplier performance. This role works closely with Customer Service, Warehouse Operations, Suppliers, and Leadership to ensure materials are available when needed and processes continue to improve.

• Manage purchase orders from creation through receipt, including supplier communications, pricing updates, and order follow-up.
• Review demand and inventory requirements to ensure appropriate stock levels are maintained.
• Maintain supplier pricing, lead times, discount structures, and purchasing data within the ERP system.
• Utilize MRP tools to manage supply and demand planning activities.
• Establish and maintain reorder points, economic order quantities, and inventory planning strategies.
• Support inventory management initiatives, including cycle counting, inventory accuracy improvements, and inventory analysis.
• Collaborate with Customer Service and Warehouse teams to improve material flow and operational efficiency.
• Negotiate favorable pricing, delivery schedules, and service levels with suppliers.
• Support ERP system enhancements, data maintenance, and process improvements.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators related to purchasing, inventory, and supplier performance.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities and root cause analysis efforts.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of purchasing, planning, inventory control, or supply chain experience.
• Strong data analysis experience including stocking levels, forecasting, etc.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• End to end supply chain comprehension in manufacturing and preferably distribution business models (including production scheduling, inventory management, warehousing, logistics, etc).
• Must have experience with MRP based ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Epicor.
• Sound business judgment and decision-making ability.
• Strong organizational and clear communication skills.
• The ability to stay calm and focused in conflictual or pressure-based situations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• APICS/ASCM certifications such as CPIM or CSCP.
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience in industrial distribution, manufacturing, or fluid power products.

• Family-owned company with a strong, employee-focused culture.
• Collaborative work environment where your ideas and contributions matter.
• Opportunity to make a direct impact on customer satisfaction and company performance.
• Exposure to purchasing, inventory management, supply chain strategy, and process improvement initiatives.
• Professional development and career growth opportunities.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.