Sacoma Specialty Products is seeking a Buyer/Planner to join our Production Planning team at our manufacturing facility in Edinburgh, Indiana.

This is a full-time, 100% onsite position. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available. Candidates must be able to reliably commute to our Edinburgh, Indiana facility.

The Buyer/Planner manages the balance between material demand and inventory supply. This role combines purchasing execution with production and material requirements planning to ensure raw materials, components, and finished goods are available to meet production schedules and customer demand while minimizing inventory and costs.

What You'll Do

• Material Planning & MRP: Review and analyze Material Requirements Planning (MRP), safety stock levels, lead times, and demand forecasts.
• Purchasing & Procurement: Create, issue, track, and manage purchase orders for raw materials and components.
• Supplier Management: Build and maintain vendor relationships, negotiate pricing, monitor supplier on-time delivery performance, and resolve quality, delivery, or invoice discrepancies.
• Production Alignment: Coordinate with production, scheduling, and sales teams to align material availability with manufacturing build plans.
• Inventory Optimization: Monitor stock levels to prevent stockouts while reducing excess and obsolete inventory.
• Data & Reporting: Maintain accurate planning parameters, cost records, and lead times within the ERP system.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive improvements related to purchasing processes, inventory accuracy, and material flow.

Required Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in purchasing or supplier negotiation.
• Hands-on experience with an ERP/MRP system (Epicor a plus).
• Experience monitoring demand forecasts and translating them into material plans.
• Ability to anticipate material shortages and proactively address potential supply issues before production impact.
• Strong data analysis skills, including advanced Excel (pivot tables, formulas, data modeling) and the ability to translate data into clear operational decisions.
• Strong ability to balance competing priorities in a fast-changing environment.
• Understanding of supply chain, lean manufacturing, and inventory management principles.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally with production, quality, and sales.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills to coordinate cross-functionally.
• High attention to detail and organizational aptitude.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations, or a related field.
• Experience in stamping, fabrication, or a similar manufacturing environment.
• Background working with aerospace or automotive customers.

What Success Looks Like

• Minimal material-driven downtime or late shipments.
• Clear visibility into material constraints well before they become a problem.
• Strong communication externally with vendors and internally with production.
• Minimize costs while ensuring quality and delivery is not compromised.

Position Details

• Department: Production Planning
• Reports To: Production Planning & Materials Manager
• Location: On-site, Manufacturing Facility
• Employment: Full-Time
• Travel: Minimal (occasional supplier visits)

Interested in Joining Our Team?

If your experience aligns with the qualifications above, we encourage you to apply. We look forward to learning more about your background and experience!