Buyer​/Planner

The Opportunity

Avantor is looking for a Buyer/Planner to manage all aspects of production planning including the development of detailed production schedules, campaign schedules, and material requirements planning.

The Buyer/Planner reports to the Site Planning Leader with preparing the master production schedule, while responsible for preparing 4 week detailed daily schedule on a weekly basis.

They also purchase materials, packaging components, parts and supplies as needed, and work closely with the strategic sourcing, production, quality, procurement, distribution, product management, marketing & sales, and customer service departments.

This is a full-time position based onsite at our Phillipsburg, NJ location.

• Supports breaking the master production schedule down into finite production asset plans for 1 to 4 week frozen planning horizon as well as 4-8 week fluid planning horizon.
• Coordinates preparation for production schedules and material orders; communicates production plans effectively across the organization.
• Works closely with other planners in related areas or plants to coordinate purchases to cover overall demand.
• Monitors and adjusts schedules to respond to market/production requirements and optimizes costs.
• Reviews forecast and master data to close supply gaps before they impact customers.
• Analyzes and evaluates inventory and delivery problems; recommends solutions as appropriate.
• Communicates as needed with manufacturing, customer service, quality, marketing and distribution departments regarding product availability and delivery schedules.
• Demonstrates and maintains effective cost reduction strategies.
• Maintains production metrics.
• Issues SAP process orders and controls report backs from operations teams.
• Responsible for alignment of production assets and resources for weekly production schedule.
• Reports out production rates, asset up time and asset utilization on a regular basis.
• Serves as a backup for other Planners/Schedulers across North American facilities as needed.
• Develops and implements programs to create, validate, and maintain system data necessary to fully utilize the MRP capabilities of SAP.
• Improves the responsiveness of the operation through managing lead times and collaborating with stakeholders to improve the supply chain.
• Establishes and deploys best practices to ensure customer and business expectations are met for all Make to Stock, Make to order, and Package to Order product strategies.
• Manages purchasing activities, including but not limited to: a. Places purchase orders with vendors based upon sales orders and established inventory settings; b. Reconciles invoices as required; c. Minimizes inventory to reduce working capital while maximizing service level to the customer; d. Return to vendor goods not meeting Avantor specifications, received damaged, or otherwise not usable.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Education:
  
  BA/BS required in supply chain management or related field.
• Experience:
  • Understands the financial impact of planning on variances, customer service and inventory investment.
  • Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years in production planning.
  • Certification/s: APICS/ASCM certification a plus.
• Additional Qualifications:
  • Experience utilizing SAP for planning/material movement preferred.
  • Chemical/or pharmaceutical experience preferred.
  • Experience in a regulated environment such as cGMP, ISO, or FDA is a plus.
  • Experience in planning in an asset- or raw material-constrained environment desired.
  • Excellent with multi-tasking, follow-up, and execution of assignments.
  • Excellent computer skills:
    Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
  • Strong analytical and interpersonal skills with ability to effectively work in a team environment
  • Comprehensive knowledge of MRP systems.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively plan and manage/multiple SKUs.
  • Excellent problem solving, time management and prioritization skills.
  • Ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent listening, written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong sense of urgency, initiative, detail oriented and solution focused.

The…