Buyer Planner

PRIMARY FUNCTION

Responsible for planning the procurement of materials required to support customer demand, ensuring inventory levels are optimised to meet business needs. The Senior Buyer/Planner will also develop and execute the Business Unit’s production schedule, aligning supply with forecasted demand and sales objectives. This position will collaborate closely with Production, Sales, and Operations to drive efficiency, minimise shortage and support on-time delivery performance.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Perform Forecasting module maintenance including regular review of forecasting parameters and forecast accuracy. Product Data Management – review and maintain all SKU planning parameters, including 9Block analysis to ensure MRP messaging accuracy.

· Maintain a comprehensive purchasing system and support tactical purchasing requirements. Manage supply chain issues preventing execution of the production plan. Issues including, but are not limited to, supply chain delays, non-conforming materials or processes, material availability and fluctuations in demand. Participate in sourcing new vendors, as required, including price negotiations. Drive quality and cost saving through vendor and freight forwarder effective management.

· Plan and manage the procurement of materials and components to support both forecast and customer demand, while optimizing inventory levels. Review EOZ (Excess, Obsolete, Zero Usage) inventory Quarterly, working with relevant departments to manage and reduce/minimize. Drive Cycle Count Process with Warehouse Controller to achieve Best in Class ABC Count accuracies. Organise and drive Annual Physical Inventory ensuring all count tickets are generated, physical counts are performed in a timely and accurate manner and all discrepancies are investigated and resolved.

· Analyze and report on Daily and Monthly KPIs, including OTD, Past Due Backlog, Inventory Turns. Review ISO Management Processes monthly and publish metrics. Present EOZ analysis with Key Indicator explanations to Corporate Finance Team quarterly.

· Review and schedule all new order acknowledgements, working closely with Customer Service team to ensure customer specific requirements are understood and executed. Provide Customer Services with timely information on all order changes, delays, and updates. Review and maintain lead times to support Customer Portal. Collaborate with Operations, Engineering and Customer Support to ensure effective communication and execution of plans.

· Manage team with day-to-day activities, development, and performance management. Lead and provide direction to team by setting goals, organizing tasks/projects based on company priorities.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

· Supply Chain qualification or relevant experience

· Experience with JD Edwards or similar ERP system

· 5 years experience in demand planning, supply planning or similar role in operations

· Proficiency with forecasting tools, ERP Oracle, Power BI

IDEAL CANDIDATE EXPERIENCE:

· Strong analytical and problem solving skills

· Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environments

· Excellent communication and cross-collaboration skills

· Experience working with S&OP processes

· Knowledge of inventory management and vendor compliance best practices.

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