Purchasing and Planning Manager

Job Summary:

The Purchasing and Planning Manager is accountable for both tactical execution and leadership oversight of all aspects of product sourcing, inventory control, and supply chain management. This includes conducting the materials requirements planning for finished goods production. The role ensures timely availability of critical components (e.g. motors, antennas, batteries, and electronic components, while optimizing cost, ensuring the quality of purchased components, and monitoring overall supplier performance.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

· Oversee daily purchasing, logistics, and inventory workflows.

· Provide input to continuously improve purchasing operations and develop team members, third-party partners, and related services.

Duties/Responsibilities:

· Lead activities and direct execution of day-to-day purchasing, planning and inventory control functions to support the production operations.

· Develop and execute purchasing strategies that ensure supply continuity, cost efficiency, and compliance with regulatory requirements (FAA, NDAA, TAA, Berry compliance).

· Direct execution on forecasting material and labor requirements based on sales pipeline, booked orders, historical usage, planned growth and engineering changes.

· Negotiate supplier contracts, pricing, and terms while managing vendor relationships and performance metrics (quality, delivery, responsiveness).

· Conduct material requirements planning and inventory control to ensure on-time delivery of production schedules while minimizing excess and obsolescence.

· Coordinate with Production and Engineering teams to ensure timely availability of parts for finished good builds, component production, prototypes, and product changes.

· Support purchasing and inventory programs for new products, portfolio expansions, and third-party partnerships.

· Assure effective purchase order management processes from order placement to receipt and final payment.

· Collaborate with Business Development, Customer Service, Engineering, Marketing and Operations to maximize supply chain efficiency.

· Travel occasionally to visit suppliers and assess production and supply chain capabilities.

· Develop and maintain strong domestic and international supplier relationships.

· Implement supplier management programs, including metrics, performance goals, improvement initiatives, and cost reduction targets.

· Perform basic quality inspections of incoming goods and resolve supplier-related issues regarding delivery, quality, pricing, or terms.

· Monitor lead times and global supply chain risks, proactively managing constraints for critical components such as semiconductors and LiPo batteries.

· Drive continuous improvement initiatives in procurement and planning processes using Lean or similar methodologies.

· Prepare reports and present KPIs (inventory turns, cost savings, supplier performance, forecast accuracy) to senior management.

· Recruit, train, and develop purchasing staff to build a high-performing team.

· Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

· Proven experience as operational contributor and a strategic leader of Supply Chain operations, inventory management and materials planning, preferably in aerospace, electronics, UAV drones, or other high-tech industries.

· Compelling work ethic and attitudinal awareness around “getting the job done right.”

· Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and develop staff at all levels.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Strong aptitude for root cause analysis and troubleshooting operational issues.

· Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

· Knowledge of safety laws, OSHA requirements, and industry-specific regulatory standards.

· Strong attention to detail with problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

· Ability to foster collaboration across departments (Engineering, Operations, Business Development and Finance).

· Growth mindset with a focus on innovation, continuous improvement, and scalability.

Education and Experience:

· BS in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, or a related field.

· Supplemental training/certifications in Lean Manufacturing, aerospace quality related.

Physical Requirements

The position requires an office setting with regular movement throughout office, production and warehouse areas. The employee must be able to:

· Sit at a desk and use a computer for prolonged periods (6–8 hours per day).

· Regularly walk, stand, and move around the production floor, warehouse and offices.

· Occasionally reach overhead, bend, or stoop to access equipment or materials.

· Lift and carry tools, parts, or equipment components, typically up to 30–40 pounds.

· Frequently use hands for typing, data entry, handling documents, and occasional use of hand tools during inspections.

· Maintain visual acuity to read technical documents, drawings, and perform equipment or product inspections.

· Safely work in areas where PPE (safety glasses, protective footwear, hearing protection, etc.) is required.

· Tolerate a production environment that may include exposure to moderate noise, machinery in operation, and production materials.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel as classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Our customer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and sexual orientation, and ancestry, marital or veteran status. Diversity is valued and we will not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any form. Candidates for the position stated above are hired on an "at will" basis. Nothing herein is intended to create a contract.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

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

Work Location: In person