Materials Buyer & Planner - Solon, OH

The Materials Buyer & Planner, reporting to the Materials and Logistics Manager, will be the point of contact with sales orders and central contact for purchased materials at the Solon facility. The Materials Buyer & Planner will work with our ERP system SAP to ensure material is available for order fulfillment, expedite and follow-up with suppliers, and work with engineering team and create RFQs with suppliers for new products. In addition, they will coordinate production work orders and ensure materials are processed accurately. Review material availability and expedite materials if needed. Work closely with warehouse associates along with our production team to keep our order processing aligned with promised customer delivery dates and shipment commitments.

• Review incoming sales orders and work with production to acknowledge them with acceptable shipping dates, completing within a target 3-day window.
• Timely communications with the Orders and Revenue Management team on expedite requests and existing production commitments.
• Review stock availability of component materials for upcoming work and sales orders.
• Create and manage work orders in SAP based on requirements. Close unnecessary WOs in system.
• Create and print work order packets and coordinate with warehouse associates to stage materials for production.
• Close and audit work orders when complete, report any issues.
• Complete PNAFs in Fusion system for new manufactured goods, kits, and subassemblies.
• Create purchase orders in SAP for inventory materials using MRP messages, and for MRO materials via purchase requisition.
• Manage existing supplier base and maintain strong positive relationships, elevate issues to manager when necessary.
• Ongoing follow up with suppliers on past due POs and expedite when applicable.
• Manage delivery of materials in accordance with inventory targets.
• Send RFQs to approved suppliers for new products.
• Review new suppliers to provide best price and service to Aclara.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Attend and participate in production and inventory planning meetings as required.
• Set up new parts in document management system and SAP.
• Review inventory for Excess and Obsolete items.
• Set annual standard costs on purchased materials.
• Review and track purchase price variances monthly.
• Attend and participate in production and inventory planning meetings as required.
• Coordinate on material shortages and expedite requests.
• Manage cycle counts with the warehouse team and report any count issues to manager.
• Function as backup for warehouse staff, fill in when team members are out.
• Assist with international paperwork for export shipments.
• When requested, assist production team members during projects and/or daily activities.

Required:

• High School Diploma with 5+ years' experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Excellent communication, customer service, and supplier relations skills
• Willingness to learn and take on new responsibilities.
• Solid computer skills; MS Office understanding and application.
• Basic understanding of inventory and documentation management systems.
• Planning experience in manufacturing environment.

Preferred:

• Associate or bachelor's degree in supply chain related field.
• Ability to analyze data and make decisions.
• Experience with SAP ERP system.