Sr. Buyer

• 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
• Prepares 4 weeks detailed daily schedule on weekly basis
• Coordinates preparation for production schedules and material orders; communicates production plans effectively across the organization
• Monitors and adjusts schedules to respond to market/production requirements and optimizes costs
• Maintains effective and proper relations with suppliers and their representatives
• Manages all purchasing activities, including but not limited to:
• Places purchase orders with vendors based upon sales orders and established inventory settings
• Reconciles invoices as required
• Minimizes inventory to reduce working capital while maximizing service level to the customer
• 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
• Performs other duties as assigned with or without accommodation
• 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 Finite Schedulers and 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned with or without accommodation.

QUALIFICATIONS (Education/Training, Experience and Certifications)

Education:

• BA/BS required in supply chain management or related field

Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years in production planning required
• Experience utilizing SAP for planning/material movement
• Chemical/or pharmaceutical experience preferred
• Experience in a regulated environment such as cGMP, ISO, or FDA preferred
• Experience should show increasing responsibilities and higher impact projects
• Experience in planning in an asset- or raw material-constrained environment required

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES (Those necessary to perform the job competently)

• Strong analytical and interpersonal skills with ability to effectively work in a team environment
• Excellent with multi-tasking, follow-up and execution of assignments
• Comprehensive knowledge of MRP systems
• Demonstrated ability to effectively plan and manage/multiple SKUs
• Excellent problem solving skills
• Excellent time management and prioritization skills
• Ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent listening skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong sense of urgency, initiative, and drive
• Detail oriented, solution focused

Skills/Competencies:

• Understands the financial impact of variances, purchase prices and inventory investment
• Excellent computer skills; ability to learn new systems quickly and maneuver the internet and internal intranet sites with ease
• Strong drive for results
• Excellent skills in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word and PowerPoint

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS/SCOPE:

The Buyer/Planner reports directly to the Finite Scheduler, PBG Planning. He/she collaborates with Company facilities globally, Customer Service, Marketing and Sales, Quality, Procurement, Information Systems and other areas as needed.