Buyer / Supply Planner

About the Role

Reporting to the Purchasing Manager, this position involves managing procurement and logistics coordination for all materials required in Plant Production and shipping operations. The incumbent will closely monitor company-wide forecasts and production plans to optimize purchasing schedules and material inflows, ensuring zero downtime in plant production due to material shortages. This critical role contributes to cost reduction in materials while ensuring supplier and product quality standards align with company directives.

Main Responsibilities

• Create, update, and maintain purchase orders aligned with manufacturing demands and delivery schedules.
• Oversight of raw material inventories to support seamless production flow according to planning schedules.
• Work in partnership with Warehouse Management to manage storage capacity and compliance with vendor shipping and labeling standards.
• Provide weekly updates on material availability and status to Production Planning, Warehouse, and Manufacturing teams.
• Conduct supplier audits and track supplier performance under the scorecard system.
• Ensure timely receipt and accurate costing of all purchased goods.
• Perform routine cycle counts and visual inspections of raw materials and production output, maintaining ERP inventory accuracy.
• Act as a knowledgeable supervisory member during annual physical inventory counts.
• Develop inventory and purchasing strategies to avoid supply disruptions.
• Manage inbound logistics covering full/truckload, less-than-truckload, and various transport modes; select carriers and negotiate freight expenses.
• Leverage ERP systems extensively to optimize purchasing processes, cost control, and inventory management within the supply chain.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, Supply Chain, or related fields.
• Strategic thinker capable of managing both high-level plans and daily procurement activities in a dynamic environment.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, capable of collaborating across departments and upward communication.
• Proven negotiation adeptness and relationship-building skills with vendors and internal teams.
• Detail-oriented with capacity to juggle multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• 2 to 4 years’ purchasing experience and familiarity with ERP systems specific to production methods and bills of materials.
• Interest and passion for toys, games, and puzzles with a customer-focused outlook.
• Professional certifications such as APICS, NAPM, or ISM are advantageous.
• Advanced computer skills with emphasis on Excel proficiency.

Compensation and Benefits

• Starting salary at $62,500, commensurate with experience.
• 401(k) plan with company matching.
• Dental, health, life, and vision insurance coverage.
• Employee discount program.
• Paid time off benefits.
• Employee referral incentives.

Work Schedule and Location

Work is on-site in Buffalo, NY, with regular day shifts from Monday through Friday.