Buyer / Planner

The Buyer/Planner is responsible for coordinating all activities related to procurement of materials and components that meet the quality standards of Standard Motor Products Inc. As Buyer/Planner, you will assume full responsibility for supply chain management to ensure timely delivery of goods while being mindful of total costs. Additionally, you'll plan orders based on MRP system to ensure material coverage and timely delivery, using system knowledge and judgement to accomplish goals. 

Qualifications:

• Minimum Associates Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. Automotive background highly beneficial.

• Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and informative manner through all correspondence
• Direct experience with MRP/ERP systems (JD Edwards preferred)
• Data extrapolation / identify trends
• Solid understanding of MS Office programs
• Minimum 18 months successful purchasing experience

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for supplier selection, quantity, price and delivery date
• Analyze the requirements of the commodity, including preliminary specifications, preferred supplier, lead-times, and date commodity is needed
• Issue purchase orders according to MRP forecast and Reorder Point values. Maintain required inventory levels.
• Follow up with suppliers as necessary as to ensure timely delivery, maintenance of established quality requirements while maintaining cost competitiveness
• Collaborate with other departments and suppliers to resolve invoice and receiving issues.
• Coordinate and make necessary arrangements for processing discrepancy items/materials for proper disposition. Issue replacement purchase orders as required on returned items and materials. Process return shipments as required, in compliance with QA and AP process guidelines.
• Monitor various reports as required; MRP Message Report,  Reorder Point Report, Packorder Message Report, Allocation Report, Open Order Status Report, Horizon Reports, Supplier scorecards, Supplier collaboration and development guidelines, SCM objectives, VMI Programs, as applicable
• Activity participate in all departmental process improvements, systems, and procedures
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor/manager

Competency:  To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Multi-tasking: Ability to process and prioritize tasks large and small with strong follow-up skills required.
• Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions. Displays willingness and ability to make rational decisions.
• Interpersonal Skills: Focuses on resolving conflict, maintains confidentiality; Listens and remains open to others’ ideas and perspectives.
• Professionalism: Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.  Promotes a harassment-free environment.
• Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectively and openness to others views.
• Oral Communications: Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarifications; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings. 
• Written Communication: Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Cost Consciousness: Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost savings measures; Contributes to profits and revenue; Conserves organizational resources.
• Planning/Organizing: Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Sets goals and objectives; Develop realistic action plans.