Material Planner-Buyer

Job Title:

Buyer / Material Planner

The Buyer / Material Planner is responsible for ensuring the availability of purchased components to support production at multiple Step2 facilities while effectively managing inventory, cost and supply risk. This role is a key contributor to the material supply strategy for assigned components, translating demand and MRP requirements into effective purchasing and replenishment decisions. The Buyer / Material Planner serves as the primary operational contact with assigned suppliers and works cross-functionally to identify and resolve supply issues, optimize planning parameters and continuously improve material flow in support of production.

Location:

Onsite (Streetsboro, OH Headquarters)

Job Duties:

• Assist with the development of inventory and material supply strategies for assigned categories; identify and implement opportunities to continuously optimize those strategies.
• Optimize and manage MRP parameters in Oracle ERP system to support effective material planning and replenishment.
• Utilize deep knowledge of supplier cost structures and market trends to evaluate proposals, negotiate optimal pricing, and issue purchase orders that drive cost savings across assigned categories.
• Review MRP requirements and production schedules on a daily basis and take appropriate purchasing actions, including placement of purchase orders and releases, in accordance with established material supply strategies.
• Proactively identify and resolve potential material shortages and supply disruptions; communicate risks, status, and recovery plans to Production, Planning and other affected stakeholders.
• Build and maintain supplier relationships and act as the key liaison for operational/material-supply matters.
• Drive continuous improvement in material performance through root cause identification and corrective action management.
• Collaborate cross functionally with Production, Planning, Logistics, Quality, Engineering, and other stakeholders to support material planning requirements and production needs.
• Collaborate with Logistics to enhance inbound transportation efficiencies.
• Manage assigned Engineering Change Notices and coordinate execution with supplier base.
• Work with the quality department to drive supplier corrective actions and ensure supplier accountability.
• Support Procurement Leadership Team with various projects including vendor management and strategy creation, implementation, and periodic supplier business reviews.
• Serve as a backup for other positions within the Material Planning group.
• Other projects and tasks as assigned

Qualifications and Experience Requirements:

• Two to five years of professional material planning and/or purchasing experience;
  Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field of study preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of material planning concepts, including MRP, inventory management, lead times, order quantities, replenishment strategies, and supplier constraints.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret demand, inventory, and supply data and translate analysis into effective planning decisions.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including the ability to analyze and manipulate large datasets using formulas, lookups, Pivot Tables, and other analytical tools.
• Demonstrated curiosity and a continuous-improvement mindset, with an interest in developing and adopting new tools, technologies, and methods to improve material planning effectiveness.
• High degree of ownership and accountability, with a demonstrated tendency to identify and solve problems rather than simply escalate them.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with others, approach problems constructively, and contribute positively to the team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective supplier-management and negotiation skills.
• Experience with Oracle ERP or a comparable MRP/ERP system highly preferred.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple material requirements, supplier issues, and competing production priorities.
• Ability to travel up to 5%.

Work Environment:

This position will perform most job duties in an office environment where using a computer, software applications, telephone, printer, etc. are essential.

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Perks:

• Paid Parental Leave
• 401k with Employer Match
• Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
• Adoption Assistance
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Employee Discount
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Advancement Opportunities
• Join our family!

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.