Buyer

Position Summary

The Buyer/Planner is responsible for the strategic sourcing, procurement, and inventory planning of Maintenance, Repair & Operations (MRO) materials and packaging supplies that support Essex Solutions’ North American manufacturing facilities (Fort Wayne, Franklin IN/TN, Torreon, Simcoe, and JCP). This role operates with a customer first mindset, treating plant operations as primary customers and ensuring supply continuity, cost discipline, and compliance with procurement policies and financial controls.

The Buyer/Planner serves as a key partner to plant operations, maintenance, production planning, and corporate sourcing, balancing responsiveness with strategic execution to support uninterrupted manufacturing performance.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Strategic Sourcing

• Lead sourcing activities for MRO and packaging categories, ensuring alignment with corporate strategies and compliance requirements.
• Conduct RFQs, evaluate supplier bids, and negotiate pricing, terms, and service levels to secure competitive advantage and supply reliability.
• Validate requisitions for compliance with MRO Purchasing Policy prior to approval.
• Ensure purchase order accuracy and alignment with approved specifications and all applicable policies
• Maintain proactive communication with Corporate Sourcing and Supply Chain regarding risks, gaps, or supplier performance issues.
• Escalate urgent procurement situations requiring expedited approval or action.
• Develop project charters for assigned initiatives, including goals, KPIs, and timelines.
• Assuring that the plant(s) consistently sources from the most competitive suppliers and secures cost‑efficient purchasing outcomes.

Customer Service & Plant Partnership

• Serve as a trusted partner to plant operations, providing responsive, solutions-oriented procurement support.
• Maintain strong communication with maintenance, operations, and plant leadership to understand priorities and upcoming needs.
• Respond urgently to critical or unplanned MRO requirements to minimize production risk.
• Provide timely updates on order status, delays, and issue resolution.
• Balance responsiveness with adherence to sourcing strategy and cost discipline.

Cost Savings and Financial Impact

• Deliver weekly cost savings and cost avoidance aligned with departmental goals; maintain accurate documentation in the savings tracker.
• Identify cost‑reduction opportunities through data analysis, supplier negotiations, standardization, and material optimization.
• Support corporate sourcing initiatives and cross‑functional cost‑saving projects.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to evaluate and implement cost‑saving ideas and process improvements.

Packaging Planning & Inventory Management

• Manage packaging inventory levels to ensure supply reliability while minimizing excess and avoiding obsolescence.
• Collaborate closely with production planners to anticipate requirements based on schedules, changes, ramp‑ups/downs, and shutdowns.
• Establish and maintain min/max levels or safety stock based on demand patterns, lead times, and operational variability.
• Support implementation of new packaging solutions, materials, and suppliers.

Systems, Compliance & Process Discipline

• Ensure all procurement activities comply with corporate strategies, policies, and KSOX requirements.
• Maintain complete and accurate documentation for new supplier setup per Sourcing Work Instructions.
• Ensure purchase order pricing accuracy and maintain up‑to‑date due dates in iPurchase.
• Close purchase orders for materials not being delivered to maintain system accuracy and audit readiness.
• Demonstrate strong process discipline and adherence to procurement workflows.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with fellow buyers on projects, coverage, best practices, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Share tools, insights, and process enhancements to strengthen team performance and consistency across sites.

Skills & Competencies

Analytical & Technical

• Strong analytical and data driven decision making.
• ERP/MRP proficiency (SAP, Oracle, or similar).
• Market awareness and understanding of cost drivers.
• Ability to interpret demand patterns, lead times, and inventory requirements.

Behavioral & Leadership

• Disciplined, organized, and detail oriented.
• Strategic and critical thinking.
• High integrity, honesty, and transparency.
• Continuous improvement mindset.

Communication & Collaboration

• Strong cross functional communication skills.
• Ability to build relationships with internal teams and suppliers.
• Solutions oriented problem-solving approach.
• Effective teamwork and collaboration across sites.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent or higher, bachelor’s degree on related field preferred.

• 3–5 years of experience in procurement, and planning within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in MRO procurement and packaging materials within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office (Excel, Power BI a plus).
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and vendor management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced manufacturing environment.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Primarily office‑based with regular interaction on the plant floor.
• Occasional travel to North American facilities and supplier locations (5–10%).