Production Planner and Buyer - Five Star Staffing and Recruiting

Job Title: Production Planner and Buyer
Location: Kansas City, MO
Reports To: Plant Manager

Overall Purpose:
As a Production Planner and Buyer, you will plan and manage assigned materials. You will research, source, and evaluate vendors aligned with business goals. You will also manage inventory levels and accuracy to ensure company goals and customer ordering timelines are met.

Essential Job Functions & Expected Outcomes:

Purchasing (10% of the Job – MRO and Outside Services):

• Research, evaluate, and select appropriate vendors to support purchasing initiatives.
• Lead the negotiation of supply agreements, ensuring price point goals are met.
• Monitor and evaluate vendor performance and resolve quality, delivery, and billing issues timely.
• Communicate and collaborate with Department Managers, team members, and Plant Management to ensure timely delivery of vendor products.
• Maintain and update all vendor records within ERP systems.
• Provide regular updates on major raw material trends and key material problems.
• Assist with the inventory cycle count process and reconcile discrepancies.
• Support Lean and Safety Initiatives through training and participation in related events.

Materials Planning (70% of the Job):

• Plan and issue work orders and purchase orders for product categories.
• Manage and monitor inventory levels, performing analysis and initiating corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Department Managers, Plant Managers, and Team Leaders to ensure effective execution of the production plan.
• Perform ongoing analysis of seasonal shifts, market trends, and demand patterns.

Team Collaboration (20% of the Job):

• Review, update, and enhance policies, practices, and procedures.
• Participate in daily team meetings to review current and forecasted production schedules, resources, and material status.

Other Duties:

• May include other duties, responsibilities, and activities as assigned.

Position Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Purchasing, or related field preferred; or an equivalent combination of coursework and experience.

Experience:

• 2+ years of experience within a Supply Chain or Purchasing role preferred.

Certifications:

• ISM and/or APICS certification a plus.

Functional Skills:

• Strong ability to research, source, and evaluate vendor options.
• Excellent organization, prioritization, and project management skills.
• Highly analytical with the ability to gather information and make decisions timely.

Technology Aptitude/Skills:

• Comfortable with PC/Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to learn and work with MRP systems.
• JD Edwards and/or Oracle Cloud experience a plus.

Language Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Leadership/Behaviors:

• Self-motivated and can work independently.
• Collaborative with excellent relationship-building skills.
• Strong negotiation skills.

Culture Match Behaviors:

• Ability to work within a collaborative team environment.
• Natural ability to turn vision into actionable concepts.