Engineering Lab Buyer​/Planner

Position Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Buyer/Planner/Scheduler to support our Research and Development Engineering Laboratory operations. This role combines procurement expertise with strategic planning and scheduling coordination to ensure seamless project execution and optimal resource utilization. The successful candidate will manage complex procurement processes for specialized equipment and materials while coordinating project timelines and resource allocation across multiple R&D initiatives.

• Manage complex supply chains which may include consignment inventories, VMI, and/or outside supplier operations and subcontractors, including placing Purchase Orders and issuing Work/Shop Orders.
• Efficiently manage the assigned group of items and suppliers to deliver the best inventory turns while maintaining a high level of customer service.
• Source and procure specialized laboratory equipment, instruments, materials, and supplies for R&D projects.
• Use available inventory replenishment methods and practices to ensure minimal slow/obsolete and scrap inventory and maximum availability of inventory for active items.
• Manage suppliers for indirect materials and services, including Cap Ex, MRO, R&D, sample parts and services, establishing and maintaining quality, service, and cost benchmarks.
• Issue purchase orders and track deliveries for material and services required for engineering lab & R&D projects.
• Manage purchasing card (p‑card), consolidate purchases on the p‑card to fewer suppliers, create leverage, maintain transaction log, and reconcile statements to ensure internal control.
• Proactively resolve problems and discrepancies with quality, delivery, quantity, and invoicing of purchases & maintain procurement records to ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Be intimate with problem‑solving skills and be comfortable leading a team.
• Own the tactical day‑to‑day supplier relationship.
• Identify and implement continuous improvements within category responsibilities and work processes.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal customers and key vendors.
• Participate in special projects and initiatives as appropriate.
• Be proficient in expediting suppliers and logistics, familiar with impact order management, and escalates when necessary.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and laboratory protocols.
• Other duties as assigned by Material Controls Lead.

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical or business discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Purchasing, Planning, Sourcing, or related Supply Chain fields.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel.
• Comfortable interacting with suppliers, including situations that may require assertiveness.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills – clearly articulate position with clarity at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work with key stakeholders in multiple global locations and at various levels; lead cross‑functional teams toward a common goal.
• Strong analytical problem‑solving abilities using contemporary tools and methods.
• Willing to make infrequent overnight travel as needed.
• Experience setting up new suppliers on BPA and Kanban.
• Experience with Information M3 ERP system (Profound, BPCS).

• Mid‑Senior level

• Full‑time

• Purchasing and Supply Chain

• Industrial Machinery Manufacturing