Senior Buyer Planner

Purpose

Responsible for sourcing, quoting, and placing purchase orders to meet production requirements and aftermarket sales demand for raw materials and fabricated parts.

Essential Job Functions

• Develop and maintain agreements with vendors to ensure all logistical details—from forecast through payment—are executed successfully.

• Request RFQs and negotiate pricing, terms, and conditions to achieve best value aligned with customer needs and Schwing America objectives.

• Review purchase quantities and price breaks to identify best-buy opportunities and consolidate orders for optimal cost, quality, and delivery performance.

• Monitor assigned SKUs for inventory replenishment; enter and maintain accurate purchasing parameters (lead times, replenishment method/location, and primary vendors).

• Issue purchase orders with correct material specifications, drawings, and requirements.

• Manage purchase orders for accuracy, delivery dates, and expedite as needed.

• Utilize computer software, reports, and manual systems to ensure timely receipt of goods, services, and information.

• Manage shipments of materials and fabricated parts to achieve on-time delivery and quality performance targets.

• Actively pursue continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen and optimize the supply base.

• Communicate daily with production and sales regarding part shortages until resolution; analyze root causes and implement corrective actions.

• Keep purchasing management informed of significant developments, risks, and potential issues.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

• Perform stationary work using a computer and office equipment approximately 90% of the time.

• Move throughout office and production areas approximately 10% of the time to access files, equipment, and collaborate with colleagues.

Education, Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or Materials Management required.

• Supply Chain Management certification preferred.

• Minimum of 5 years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment.

• Strong analytical and technical skills with the ability to evaluate business practices and acquisition strategies.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; SAP experience preferred.

• Excellent negotiation skills.

• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.

• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and Just-In-Time (JIT) materials management.

• Understanding of materials placement and flow strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase inventory turns.

• Experience sourcing fabricated parts.

• Experience with supplier qualification, evaluation, and negotiation processes.