Position Overview:
The Senior Buyer/Planner will play a critical role in managing the procurement and planning of medical supplies to ensure optimal inventory levels and product availability across all distribution centers. Reporting directly to the Director of Purchasing, this role requires a strategic and detail-oriented professional who can manage supplier relationships, optimize inventory, and drive cost-effective purchasing strategies aligned with organizational goals.
Key Responsibilities:
- Procurement Management: Oversee the purchase of medical supplies and equipment to meet customer needs in the post-acute care sector. Negotiate pricing, terms, and conditions with suppliers to ensure favorable outcomes.
- Inventory Planning and Optimization: Use tools like Slim4 and ERP/MRP systems to forecast demand and plan inventory levels across multiple distribution centers. Balance inventory availability with cost efficiency to minimize stockouts, overstock, and obsolescence.
- Supplier Collaboration: Maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers and source new suppliers as needed. Monitor supplier performance and address issues related to quality, delivery, or pricing.
- Data-Driven Decision-Making: Leverage data analytics tools such as Power BI to analyze purchasing trends, supplier performance, and inventory levels. Use insights to drive process improvements and optimize supply chain operations.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with sales, finance, logistics, and merchandising teams to align purchasing strategies with business objectives. Support marketing initiatives by ensuring timely availability of new or promotional products.
- Problem Resolution: Address and resolve challenges related to supplier delays, long lead times, and other disruptions. Develop contingency plans to mitigate supply chain risks.
- Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to enhance purchasing processes, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency. Implement best practices in procurement and inventory management.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- 5+ years of experience in purchasing, planning, or supply chain roles, preferably in the healthcare distribution industry.
- Strong negotiation skills and experience in supplier management.
- Proficiency in ERP systems and advanced knowledge of MRP and inventory optimization principles.
- Experience with data analytics tools such as Power BI.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external suppliers.
- Experience in healthcare distribution or the post-acute care market.
- APICS certification or similar supply chain credentials.
- Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, logistics, business administration, or a related field preferred.
