Material Planner (Buyer/Planner)

Job Overview

We are seeking a Material Planner (Buyer/Planner) to join a dynamic team based in Galway, Ireland. This role entails active involvement in planning and scheduling material deliveries from suppliers, ensuring uninterrupted production by managing component availability and inventory levels to align with customer service and inventory goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct prompt and cost-efficient procurement of production, inventory, and MRO items.
• Assess purchase requisitions to determine required quantities, specifications, and delivery timelines.
• Select suppliers from an approved list to fulfill scheduled plant delivery requirements.
• Manage onboarding processes for newly selected suppliers relevant to material planning.
• Maintain current ABC classification and other critical inputs for the Plan for Every Part (PFEP) process.
• Ensure optimal inventory and safety stock levels for assigned parts.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance to address supplier-related quality issues.
• Proactively identify and manage material shortages; assist in root cause analysis and corrective action plans.
• Evaluate supplier opportunities to reduce total cost and improve cash flow.
• Analyze and identify parts suitable for KanBan and Supplier replenishment methods.
• Lead or guide team members to meet organizational objectives as needed.
• Expedite deliveries to satisfy critical scheduling demands.
• Maintain material plans at key review points to guarantee supply continuity.
• Coordinate with production planners to find solutions when parts deliveries are delayed.
• Continuously assess supplier performance and escalate issues to Procurement when necessary.
• Resolve invoicing discrepancies between suppliers and accounting.
• Assess material and capacity availability to provide reliable customer order dates.
• Update item master lead times based on process improvements, capacity constraints, product family demand, and priority data.
• Manage both internal and SOMI/VMI materials to adhere to schedule commitments.
• Collaborate across functional areas to address complex delivery requirements.
• Communicate forecasting and replenishment plans directly with suppliers.
• Monitor open orders, vendor performance, and expedite shipments; promptly resolve delivery, quality, or pricing issues.
• Identify and implement cost reduction and productivity projects to support corporate goals; maintain financial tracking and reporting pipelines.

Candidate Requirements

• A bachelor's degree (BA/BS) or a minimum of 3 years' experience as a planner or buyer in manufacturing environments.
• Preferably certified in APICS CPIM or an equivalent credential.
• Strong understanding of industry supply bases and supplier facilities.
• Proficient in production scheduling and supplier management.
• Ability to provide direction and mentorship to colleagues.
• Competent in using ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Basic proficiency in mathematics.
• Experience in rate-based or flow line (non-MRP) and job shop manufacturing environments.
• Background in operations, inventory management, MRP, and Lean manufacturing principles.
• Familiarity with visual management systems.

Additional Information

For more details, please contact Tom Devaney via phone or email. The recruitment agency ensures the confidentiality of applicants' data and will not share personal information with clients without explicit consent. Queries regarding privacy or data withdrawal are welcome.