Buyer/Material Planner

Job Summary

This role is responsible for driving purchasing and material planning activities to ensure timely availability of materials while optimizing cost, inventory levels, and supplier performance. The position works cross-functionally to support demand planning, supplier strategy, and supply continuity for both current production and future growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute purchasing and material planning strategies aligned with demand forecasts, business priorities, and operational requirements.
• Analyze demand signals, forecasts, inventory positions, and supplier lead times to determine purchasing requirements and replenishment strategies.
• Place and manage purchase orders to ensure material availability while minimizing excess inventory and shortages.
• Lead sourcing activities to identify qualified suppliers that meet cost, quality, delivery, and risk requirements.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts to support cost optimization and long-term supplier relationships.

Physical Requirements

• Occasional lifting of materials up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to work in both office and warehouse environments as needed.
• Occasional standing, bending, and reaching.
• Monitor supplier performance using defined KPIs and vendor scorecards, and drive corrective actions as needed.
• Partner with Engineering and Quality to support vendor qualification, material changes, and new product introductions.
• Support forecasting accuracy by providing supply chain input and identifying risks related to capacity, lead time, or obsolescence.
• Maintain accurate purchasing, planning, and inventory data within ERP/MRP systems.
• Identify and implement opportunities for continuous improvement in purchasing, planning, and inventory control processes.
• Ensure compliance with internal procedures, approved supplier lists, and quality system requirements, including ISO 9001.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience in purchasing, material planning, or supply chain management.
• Strong understanding of demand planning, forecasting, procurement processes, and inventory management.
• Familiarity with supplier qualification and quality system requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Skills & Technical Requirements

• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (Fishbowl preferred; Microsoft Dynamics 365 a plus).
• Strong Excel and data analysis skills.
• Ability to interpret forecasts and translate them into purchasing and planning actions.
• Proven negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Please describe your salary expectations

Ability to Relocate:

• Plainsboro, NJ 08536: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person