Production Buyer/Planner

Position Summary:
To plan and coordinate the assembly requirements for a range of flow meter products to ensure the stocking criteria laid down by Sales and Marketing is met and that the delivery expectations of the customer are achieved. To identify both domestic and overseas suppliers who meet the competitive pricing, quality and delivery criteria of the company.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities: (Other duties may be assigned)
·Manage the placement of orders for resourced items and their sample approval
·Update MRP control parameters as appropriate
·Create or modify production schedules based on customer orders and forecast figures
·Release orders to shop floor on a daily basis
·Monitor progress and expedite open purchase orders
·Ensure database files are updated and maintained at all times. This is to include quote files, cost databases, supplier certification files, etc.
·Review excess stock report to minimize excess and obsolete materials exposure
·Implement engineering changes in the most economical and expedient way and assist with the management of product phase out
·Analyze and report on production plans, incoming order rates, order backlogs, inventory status, and part shortages
·Attend daily and weekly meetings on prioritizing customer orders and addressing order backlogs, etc
·Use the Internet and other means to identify and research potential suppliers
·Negotiates prices and terms with potential suppliers
·Develop an understanding of manufacturing methods employed by your suppliers to determine if product designs can be altered to reduce costs and/or improve quality
·Serve on New Product Development Teams as required
·Evaluate new suppliers in conjunction with the Quality Department on quality standards necessary to achieve and maintain ISO 9000 certification.



EOE M/F/H/V
REQUIREMENTS
Critical Success Factors:
·Make progress towards an APICS certification within 12 months.
·Establish new supply chain for incoming product lines.
·Reduce inventory levels to most efficient level with no negative impact on finished goods lead times.
·Negotiate cost savings with vendors to reach a 10% cost of materials reduction within 12 months.
·Reduce finished goods lead times to 2-3 weeks from 4-6 weeks within 6 months time through sound supply chain management practices.

Education/Experience/Skills:
·Associate degree in Business Management or related field and a minimum of five years of experience in manufacturing environment performing purchasing duties or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
·A working knowledge of manufacturing systems (MRP, DFT, etc.) is required.
·Strong analytical and negotiation skills are necessary.
·Strong computer and PC skills to include working with spreadsheets are required.
·The ability to communicate effectively with all segments of manufacturing/production personnel is needed.