Job Description

Job Title: Buyer / Materials Planner (Direct Materials)

Pay Rate: $36/hour

Location: On-site (Not Remote)

1st shift- Temp to hire

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Buyer / Materials Planner to support direct material procurement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role involves working independently on moderately complex assignments, making informed decisions within established procurement practices, and collaborating cross-functionally to ensure operational success.

You will act as a key liaison between internal teams, suppliers, and customers—supporting both pre-production ramp-up and full-scale manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Procure direct materials and services to support production operations

• Serve as the primary communication link between internal teams, suppliers, and customers

• Review requisitions, evaluate vendor bids, and initiate purchase orders

• Execute purchasing activities driven by MRP systems

• Manage procurement for new product introductions and existing products

• Coordinate last-time buys for end-of-life products

• Ensure on-time delivery, manage inventory levels, and monitor purchase price variance

• Analyze forecast accuracy and report findings

• Maintain and update standard costs for assigned parts

• Support sourcing and quoting activities to improve supply continuity and reduce costs

• Resolve supply chain issues (shortages, allocations, discrepancies, etc.)

• Manage supplier relationships and performance, including regular reviews and improvement plans

• Track and drive key KPIs (on-time delivery, PO acknowledgments, past due shipments, etc.)

• Support audit readiness (ISO/internal audits) and address findings

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, including data integrity and parameter management

• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions

Required Skills & Qualifications

• 4–7 years of experience in direct material buying, preferably in a manufacturing environment

• Experience with MRP systems and SAP

• Strong analytical skills using Excel or Google Sheets

• Solid understanding of procurement, inventory, and supplier management processes

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting

• Strong communication and collaboration skills across internal and external stakeholders

• Problem-solving mindset with attention to detail and accuracy

• Familiarity with supply chain policies, procedures, and ISO standards

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)

• Experience in electronic manufacturing environments