Buyer/Planner

About the Role

This position sits within a global life sciences organization focused on improving healthcare through genomic technology. The role supports manufacturing and supply chain operations by ensuring materials are sourced, purchased, and delivered in a cost-effective and timely way.

The Buyer/Planner works closely with suppliers and internal teams to keep production supplied, maintain data accuracy across procurement systems, and help improve delivery performance, inventory control, and sourcing decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Review purchase requests and coordinate buying activity with manufacturing, planning, and engineering teams.
• Manage the procurement of direct materials, custom parts, and off-the-shelf items based on planning requirements.
• Own assigned suppliers and parts to ensure on-time delivery for manufacturing and spare parts needs.
• Maintain strong supplier relationships and escalate issues internally and externally when deliveries or supply continuity are at risk.
• Track supplier lead times, safety stock, expedites, supplier change notifications, and delivery reschedules.
• Work with Planning, Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, and suppliers to resolve material quality issues and support virtual meetings and follow-up actions.
• Use SAP material settings and coordinate purchase order execution to support pricing tiers, minimum order quantities, and supplier capacity plans.
• Handle return-to-vendor actions with suppliers, Quality, and Warehousing, including repair and refurbishment coordination.
• Work in PLM and quality management systems to access specifications, diagrams, work instructions, action assignments, and change documents.
• Maintain procurement data accuracy and support suppliers through Ariba B2B tools, portals, and collaboration systems.
• Verify confirmed delivery dates in SAP and negotiate with suppliers to expedite or delay deliveries when needed.
• Drive key performance metrics such as on-time delivery, inventory turnover, and requisition conversion.
• Obtain part certifications from suppliers as required for global spare parts distribution.
• Support sourcing teams with cost-saving ideas, including make-versus-buy analysis and alternate sourcing options.
• Contribute to commodity management activities such as pricing, product availability, market trend review, and business planning.
• Perform related duties as business needs change.

Requirements

• Experience managing global suppliers and stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of SAP ECC MM and MRP.
• Ariba SCC knowledge is preferred.
• Strong understanding of direct procurement, vendor management, and inventory control.
• Familiarity with GMP, product specifications, and incoming inspection procedures.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills, along with strong analytical ability and interpersonal skills.
• Good problem-solving, organization, and attention to detail.
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Outlook.
• Bachelor’s degree with typically 3–5 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with at least 2 years of experience.

Additional Information

The scope of this role includes applying company procedures to resolve issues, choosing actions within established guidelines, and handling work of moderate complexity with limited day-to-day instruction. The position requires building productive internal and external relationships and exercising judgment within defined practices.

This is an equal opportunity employer role. The company supports inclusion, pay equity, and employee resource groups, and welcomes applicants regardless of protected characteristics under applicable law.

Background checks may be conducted after a conditional offer is made, and results may affect final employment decisions as permitted by law.

Use of generative AI is not allowed during the application or interview process. Candidates who need accommodations may request assistance through the employer’s accommodation contact.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. The posting remains open until a final candidate is selected or enough qualified applications are received.

Business needs may require changes to individual responsibilities, and additional related duties may be assigned.