Position Title: Buyer/Planner Assistant
Location: Macomb, MI
Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire

Overview:
We are seeking a Buyer/Planner Assistant to support manufacturing and procurement activities in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. This contract-to-hire role offers the potential to transition to a permanent position after a successful 6-month contract period. The ideal candidate will assist with planning and controlling manufacturing and purchase orders, ensuring on-time performance to production schedules, and balancing productivity with inventory management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and evaluate potential vendors, obtain quotes, and compare offers to select suppliers based on quality, price, and delivery timelines.
• Accurately generate and manage purchase orders in a timely manner.
• Monitor open orders, communicate with vendors to ensure on-time deliveries, and address any issues that arise.
• Maintain accurate records of procurement activities, including purchase orders, invoices, and delivery receipts.
• Provide administrative support to the Supply Chain Manager or Procurement Team, including scheduling meetings, preparing reports, and managing general inquiries.
• Release and manage manufacturing orders aligned with the department work schedule and master production schedule.
• Respond to and resolve shortages daily while reviewing and acting on MRP messages for manufacturing and purchase orders.
• Assist in managing Vendor-Managed Inventory (VMI) and job routers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments to ensure a seamless flow of materials from suppliers to customers.
• Support procurement activities for all commodity-type items and direct purchase items.
• Maintain optimal inventory levels for all components supporting the production schedule, minimizing inventory investment.
• Contribute to inventory accuracy through cycle counting and managing "Point of Use" suppliers.
• Assist in managing non-conforming materials (NMR) and coordinating their return to suppliers.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Business degree, bachelor’s degree, or equivalent work experience.
• 3-5 years of relevant experience in purchasing or planning roles.
• Proficiency in using computer software to manage purchasing data and records.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and multitasking skills in a fluid environment.
• Excellent communication skills, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
• Ability to perform basic statistical, financial, or logical analysis, with proficiency in complex mathematical concepts as needed.

This is an excellent opportunity for a detail-oriented and proactive individual to contribute to a team-oriented environment while advancing their career in procurement and planning.