Buyer/ Planner/Analyst
Department: Supply Chain
Reports To: Director of Supply Chain
Location: Spring, TX
Employment Type: Full-Time
Position Summary
The Buyer Planner/Analyst is responsible, for the U.S. region, for analyzing supply chain data, developing demand forecasts, managing inventory levels, and supporting order planning and execution. This role plays a critical part in ensuring product availability, optimizing inventory, and supporting new product introductions while driving data-based decision-making across the supply chain.
Key Responsibilities
Inventory Management
- Monitor inventory levels to ensure optimal stock availability while minimizing excess and obsolescence.
- Analyze inventory turns, safety stock, and service levels.
- Support cycle counts and inventory reconciliation efforts.
- Recommend actions to address shortages, slow-moving, or obsolete inventory.
Order Creation & Management
- Create and manage purchase orders and/or production orders in ERP/MRP systems.
- Track order status and coordinate with suppliers, production, and logistics teams to meet delivery requirements.
- Resolve order discrepancies, delays, and supply constraints.
- Ensure accurate master data and planning parameters in the system.
Data Analysis & Reporting
- Analyze supply chain data related to demand, inventory, production, and customer orders.
- Develop and maintain reports, dashboards, and KPIs to support supply chain performance.
- Identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement using data-driven insights.
- Support management with ad-hoc analysis and recommendations.
Demand Forecasting & Planning
- Create and maintain demand forecasts based on historical data, customer demand, and market trends.
- Collaborate with Operations, Customer Service, Sales, and Finance to align forecasts with business plans.
- Monitor forecast accuracy and adjust planning assumptions as needed.
- Support SIOP (Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning) processes.
New Product Introduction (NPI)
- Support supply chain planning activities for new product launches.
- Coordinate with Engineering, Sales, and Operations to ensure material readiness and capacity alignment.
- Set up and maintain new items and planning parameters in ERP systems.
- Monitor initial demand and inventory performance post-launch.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Purchasing, Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Finance, or a related field.
- 10 years of experience in supply chain planning, analysis, or related roles.
- Strong analytical skills with advanced proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, formulas, queries).
- Experience working with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Global Shop, SAP, Oracle, Sage).
- Ability to analyze complex data and translate it into actionable insights.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in manufacturing or distribution environments.
- Knowledge of forecasting methods and inventory optimization.
- Experience supporting S&OP processes.
- APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP) is a plus.
Key Competencies
- Analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration.
- Willingness to proactively engage team members to obtain needs.
- Inquisitive mindset — always asking why, challenging the status quo.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Open to learn and listen to others
- Continuous improvement mindset