Job Titli: Planner/Buyer
Location: Fremont, CA – Onsite
Duration: 6 Months contract to hire
The Planner (70%)/Buyer (30%) is responsible for ensuring the right parts are available, at the right time and quantity, to meet production plans while minimizing inventory and cost. This role manages day-to-day Planned Order Actions, purchase order follow-up, inventory control, supplier communication, and cross-functional collaboration with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Logistics to support stable manufacturing operations and new product introductions.
Key responsibilities
· Run and manage MRP/MPS processes to convert demand (forecasts, customer orders, production schedules) into planned receipts.
· Create, release, and maintain purchase orders and planned orders; expedite and follow up with suppliers to secure on-time delivery.
· Maintain and optimize inventory levels (safety stock, reorder point, min/max) to meet service targets while minimizing obsolescence and carrying cost.
· Participate in S&OP / demand-review meetings and contribute materials-impact analysis for forecast changes.
· Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by planning material releases, identifying and securing critical long-lead items to meet Product release timelines.
· Perform regular cycle counts and support physical inventory; investigate and correct inventory discrepancies.
· Liaise with Quality and Engineering on nonconforming materials, part changes, and BOM updates; ensure BOM accuracy within ERP.
· Monitor supplier performance (on-time delivery, lead time variance) and escalate supply risks proactively.
· Prepare and maintain planning documentation, reports, and metrics for management (inventory turns, days of inventory, OTIF, forecast accuracy).
· Drive continuous improvement in planning processes, including automation, BOM clean-up, and lead-time reduction initiatives.
· Ensure compliance with company purchasing policies, import/export requirements, and record-keeping.
· Implement data-driven inventory management strategies to mitigate material risks, such as Excess and &Obsolete (E&O) and Purchase Price Variances (PPV).
Required qualifications
· Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Business, or related field — or equivalent experience.
· 3 - 5 years’ experience in materials planning, production planning, or inventory control in a manufacturing environment (electronics, sensors, medical device or similar preferred).
· Hands-on experience with MRP/ERP systems (experience with SAP, Oracle, or similar strongly preferred).
· Strong Excel skills (VLOOKUP/INDEX-MATCH, pivot tables); familiarity with Power BI or other reporting tools a plus.
· Experience in data analytics and strong ability to build compelling visual presentations using charts and metrics.
· Excellent communication skills — able to work cross-functionally and with suppliers.
· Strong problem-solving, and organizational skills; attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities.
· Ability to work under pressure to meet production deadlines.
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