SUMMARY:

The Buyer / Planner is responsible to ensure that finished goods and components and/or subassemblies are delivered to the fulfillment and packaging sites on time, and in the quantities required. The successful candidate will manage supply, and supply constraints, with vendors while ensuring MRP systems are maintained and up to date. As well, the role involves efficient management of material planning tracking systems and associated key performance indicators while relentlessly pursuing continuous improvement opportunities. The Buyer / Planner is global in scope, and requires constant cross-functional engagement with production, external suppliers, operations, NPI, engineering, logistics and material handling. This position requires a person who understands manufacturing processes and has a sound grasp of supply chain.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform essential duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ensure demand from all sources (production, aftermarket, engineering, etc.) is supported
• Manage safety stock levels and optimize logistical efficiency by managing EOQs
• Manage planning system parameters and master data to optimally reflect supply chain
• Prepare and deliver regular forecasts and analyses as needed to internal management and both internal and external suppliers
• Provide data-driven status updates to management
• Apply analytics and supply chain expertise to meet target inventory while minimizing obsolescence
• Build and maintain operational partnerships with assigned suppliers
• Act as the primary interface with suppliers on delivery status, issues, and resolution
• Coordinate suppliers ramp up and down for new product launches
• Partner with Operations and other business stakeholders on planning process and system improvements
• Support cross-functionally on demand planning and problem-solving management
• Identify gaps, risks and propose solutions to meet plans and schedules
• Other duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Bachelor's degree desired
• 2+ years' experience in Purchasing/Planning/Scheduling or Supply Chain Management
• Analytical capabilities including data analysis to optimize production
• Strong proficiency and proven experience in MS Excel
• Knowledge of MRP/ERP and forecasting is required
• Ability to problem solve within cross-functional and multi-cultural environment
• Self-starter with the ability to manage daily planning operations and assigned projects simultaneously
• Open-minded, collaborative and team-oriented attitude
• Ability to support extended hours, and/or weekends when required

ADDITIONAL SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

• Responsible for procuring Raw Materials and Components in a timely manner to ensure delivery prior to scheduled production date
• Responsible for managing supply levels based on immediate demand, forecast quantities and material lead times
• Daily responsibilities will include entering and issuance of purchase orders to vendors, daily communication with suppliers to manage on-time delivery of open orders and working directly with multiple departments (R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Customer Service, Receiving and Accounting)
• Analyze purchase requisitions for completeness and accuracy of information
• Expedite supplier shipments; identify and resolve any potential delays while keeping affected departments informed of any materials delays or problems
• Respond to supply shortages, quality issues and support of emergency orders outside of normal office hours as needed
• Cycle counts, month end inventory reconciliation and review of aged inventory
• Team player with a positive and cooperative attitude in a highly cross-functional organization
• Know how to calculate manufacturing and purchasing costs and effectively manage surplus and obsolete inventories
• Effectively calculate the inventory required to restock products or parts with inventory models. Reorder and rebuild levels
• Effectively calculate safety stock for independent demand items. Be able to calculate the order quantity through consumption reports
• Maintain high inventory accuracy through various techniques including inventory audits, annual physical inventory and cycle counting
• Generate reporting detailing inventory financial statements, turnover ratios, activity-based cost (ABC) analysis and inventory performance
• Effectively calculate Kanban card requirement Develop kaizen event teams to remove inventory, process wastes and speed inventory throughput.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made.

• Individual will be required to lift 25lbs without harm.
• Be able to work in a standing/sitting position for an hour at a time.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Cytek is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.