Production Buyer/Planner (West Lafayette)

Production Buyer/Planner Pay $23 to $25 an hour Position Type:

Contract, Full-Time

Job Summary We are seeking a results-driven Production Buyer/Planner to orchestrate the movement of materials through the production cycle. In this role, you will be responsible for scheduling, monitoring, and procuring materials to meet daily manufacturing requirements. You will act as the critical link between Engineering, Manufacturing, and the Supply Base to ensure on-time delivery while maintaining lean inventory levels. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker who can balance day-to-day purchasing execution with long-term supplier relationship management and cost-saving initiatives. Primary Duties & Responsibilities Material Planning & Execution: Analyze ERP/MRP requirements to initiate purchase orders, manage requisitions, and resolve discrepancies in the production cycle. Supplier Management: Evaluate vendor reliability, gather quotations, and examine bids to ensure the best quality at the best value. Develop new supply sources when existing vendors are no longer competitive. Contract & Risk Management: Monitor the cost, schedule, and scope of assigned subcontracts. Negotiate favorable terms and conditions to meet customer requirements and maximize margin. Operational Partnership: Work closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Service departments to facilitate solutions for schedule changes and technical issues with suppliers. Financial Optimization: Directly manage supply chain risk and maximize cash flow through proactive inventory management and achieving annual cost-saving targets. Strategic Support: Assist the Strategic Purchasing Manager with RFP creation, vendor selection criteria, contract reviews, and the streamlining of work processes across sites.

Key Qualifications Experience: Minimum of 3 years of purchasing experience within a manufacturing environment. Technical Skills: Recent experience in production procurement and material control using an MRP/ERP system (SAP strongly preferred). Regulatory Knowledge: Experience and knowledge of FAR/DFAR regulations is strongly preferred. Communication: Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills; ability to negotiate complex terms with global suppliers. Software: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint). Certifications: APICS certification (CPIM/CSCP) is a plus. Requirements US Citizenship Required. Proven ability to manage total cost of ownership and drive continuous improvement in supply chain quality and delivery.