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Buyer / Planner II

The Role:

Manages procurement in support of New Product Introductions and sustaining Engineering changes. Plans and procures raw materials and tools, leads various project teams and establishes commodity strategies for the products.  Monitors material inventory levels, quality of goods, pricing and timely delivery of goods.  Completes new material Sourcing. Utilizes SAP – S4/Hana to complete all Material Management functions.  

About You:

You have a strong background in materials management to include multiple years of ERP/MRP experience, New Product Introduction coordination and contract management.  You have a natural affinity for details, you contribute towards working in a dynamic team, you can both lead and be an active participant on a project team, you instill trust and confidence with your customers.  You are strong in Excel. You enjoy learning and being a master of your craft.

Acceptable Experience and Training:

A four year degree is desired with an emphasis in Supply Chain Management. Three to five years of business experience. A substitute of three to five years of business experience in lieu of a four year degree. A wide range of diversified purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment using MRP systems and capacity control is highly desired. Ongoing professional development through courses offered by APICS (American Production Inventory Control Society) is desired.

Job Responsibilities:

Participates or leads cross functional business teams as required in support of new product development.  

Plans the purchase of raw materials based upon the monitoring of inventory stock levels in alignment with Product Core team schedules.  

Communicates with internal customer’s information on stock outs or revised delivery dates of goods and raw materials which will impact the fulfillment of customer orders.

Works with Quality Assurance and Engineering to resolve problems with suppliers on defective products. Meets with suppliers to address quality or servicing issues with material, manufacturing equipment or tools to be used in the production process.

Assists business functions and individual departments in scheduling the delivery of goods and services and to anticipate and respond to their needs. Follows up on back orders; requests expedited delivery of goods and makes special arrangements for delivery if needed. Keeps business functions or departments advised with respect to lead-time on critical goods.

Reviews on a daily basis the MRP system to determine number of goods in stock, number of items on back order and anticipated delivery dates. Maintains contact with all suppliers to be informed of all changes to delivery schedule dates. Requests goods or raw materials to be expedited from suppliers on an as needed basis to avoid stock outs.

Reviews on a daily basis the MRP system to determine the level of goods and raw materials necessary to fulfill customer orders. Examines inventory levels and places orders with suppliers for materials or components based upon customer orders and production forecasts

Places orders with suppliers for standard components as well as providing support to the equipment maintenance department by the sourcing and ordering of mechanical equipment parts needed for repairs.

Prepares written documentation for the solicitation of competitive bids from suppliers. Reviews and discusses quotations and proposals for service or materials received from suppliers with department representatives such as Engineering, Quality Assurance and Equipment Maintenance. Prepares purchase orders once supplier has been selected.

Determines selection of suppliers by evaluating component quality, pricing and terms of delivery. Serves as a liaison between representatives of the engineering department and suppliers on materials involved with new projects. Reads and interprets technical drawings and blueprints to determine the needs of the engineering department and what supplier may best meet those needs.

Evaluates suppliers on a continuous basis for quality, servicing, pricing and terms of delivery. Selects suppliers whose pricing, terms and quality are in conjunction with company business practices.

Communicates on a continuous basis with suppliers to assure the continuous supply and timely procurement of goods or services to enable the facility to operate at maximum efficiency and effectiveness. Reviews contractual documents with suppliers for completeness and accuracy.

Develops a price/cost analysis of all purchased goods and services by compiling and maintaining historical, current and projected economic data on market conditions that may impact capital purchases. May utilize different supplier sources as directed.

Monitors any and all assembly work performed, unit pricing and delivery dates of subcontractors. Insures that subcontractors are performing work according to established business function standards and specifications.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Basic knowledge of the manufacturing process involved with the production of plastic components, extrusions and fabricated parts.

Basic knowledge of the principles of engineering to understand product development processes and the needs of those served.

Solid knowledge of the principles of purchasing and sourcing of materials, goods and raw materials for a manufacturing process and facility. 

Solid knowledge of alternative sourcing techniques to locate suppliers or service providers.

Solid knowledge of the principles of negotiation to work with suppliers and subcontractors on issues related to pricing and terms of delivery.

Solid knowledge of computer use and software such as Word, Excel.  Experience with SAP S4/HANA a plus.  Solid MRP system experience. 

Skill in developing and maintaining effective work relationships with department representatives, suppliers and subcontractors.

Ability to read, interpret and comprehend technical drawings and blueprints to work with representatives of the Engineering department on projects with suppliers.

About Hunter Douglas:

Hunter Douglas is the world’s leading manufacturer of window coverings. Our strength is our ability to develop innovative, high-quality, proprietary products that can be found in millions of homes and commercial buildings around the globe. To view a video about Hunter Douglas’ history of innovation go to:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QS3ljwG2jw

Benefits of working for Hunter Douglas Window Fashions include:

• 13 days of paid time off accrued yearly and 6 days of PST accrued yearly; 9 paid holidays, 6 weeks paid parental leave, 40 hours family care time off and 12 hours of paid volunteer work.
• Medical ( Kaiser or Cigna), dental ( Delta Dental), a vision plan ( VSP), life insurance, STD, LTD, AD&D, dependent life, and HSA and FSA flexible spending accounts, and pet insurance.
• 401(k) with 6% company match and annual retirement contribution, and a college investment savings program.
• Employee development including education tuition assistance, and on-site development through Hunter Douglas University.
• Robust wellness program with monthly company wellness challenges.
• Generous discount on window coverings, charitable contribution match, employee assistance program, adoption assistance, dependent scholarships, on-site physical therapists and more!

• Pay range for this role: $59,700 - $82,900 with a 10% discretionary bonus
• Hybrid work arrangement

Interested candidates should send your resume to: Katey Crowley at katey.crowley@hunterdouglas.com