Senior Buyer/ Planner - Procurement & Production

Position Overview:Healthy and Organic Food, Ingredients, Beverage and Flavors manufacturer is searching for a highly skilled Senior Buyer/Planner to support procurement and production management while driving material supply chain efficiency. This role serves as a critical link between purchasing and production, ensuring seamless material flow, optimizing resource utilization, and leading strategic supply chain initiatives.The ideal candidate will have a strong background in procurement, supplier management, and production planning, with the ability to analyze market trends, implement cost-saving strategies, and enhance operational efficiencies.Key Responsibilities:Procurement & Supplier Management:Develop and implement procurement strategies to optimize cost, quality, and on-time delivery.Identify, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers to ensure the best value and long-term partnerships.Analyze market trends, pricing, and supplier performance to drive cost-effective purchasing decisions.Collaborate with cross-functional teams and leverage MRP systems to forecast demand and manage inventory levels.Oversee the procurement process from requisition to delivery, ensuring compliance with company policies and industry standards.Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities and process improvements.Prepare bid specifications and requests for quotations to support competitive sourcing.Track supplier performance, providing feedback and recommendations during business reviews.Mentor and support junior procurement team members, serving as a backup when needed.Production Planning & Scheduling:Assist the Master Planner & Scheduler in developing and maintaining daily production schedules for facilities.Coordinate workflow across multiple product lines, balancing labor, equipment, and raw material requirements.Analyze production data and forecasts to optimize inventory levels and prevent shortages or excess stock.Monitor production progress, making real-time adjustments to minimize disruptions and meet demand.Identify and resolve production bottlenecks to improve efficiency and reduce costs.Utilize production planning software and ERP systems to manage schedules and resources effectively.Collaborate with the Master Planner & Scheduler to enhance production processes and drive continuous improvement.Serve as a backup to the Master Planner & Scheduler as needed.Qualifications & Skills:Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.Experience: 4-7 years of experience in procurement and/or production planning within a food or flavor manufacturing environment.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills.Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.Proficiency in ERP systems; SAGE X3 experience preferred.Hands-on experience in MRP systems, production planning, and scheduling.Proven experience in vendor management and supplier relationship development.Benefits:401(k) matchingDental insuranceHealth insurancePaid time offVision insuranceDisclaimerThe job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible responsibilities, tasks, and duties. The responsibilities, tasks, and duties of the jobholder might differ from those outlined in the job description and that other duties may be assigned. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. SmartHire is not legally responsible for any change of job-holder's responsibilities or activities, by our clients, that differ from this job description.

Created: 2025-02-07