Buyer/Planner
Aston CarterJob Title: Buyer/Planner Job Description We are seeking a highly organized and analytical Production Buyer/Planner to support material planning, purchasing, inventory management, and overall supply chain operations in a fast-growing manufacturing environment. In this role, you will play a key part in scaling operations, building and refining processes, and improving planning systems as the organization expands its production capacity. Responsibilities Plan and manage material requirements using MRP tools and ERP systems, ensuring accurate and timely availability of raw materials and packaging. Run, review, and correct MRP outputs, applying a strong understanding of planning logic and inventory impacts rather than simply reviewing reports. Manage purchasing activities for raw materials and packaging, including placing orders, monitoring deliveries, and maintaining strong supplier relationships. Analyze inventory levels, perform inventory analysis, and support initiatives to improve inventory accuracy and optimize stock levels. Create, document, and improve standard operating procedures (SOPs) to support a rapidly growing manufacturing operation and enhance process consistency. Monitor supply levels on an ongoing basis and proactively prevent material shortages that could impact production schedules. Support cycle counts, investigate inventory variances, and maintain accurate ERP master data for materials and related transactions. Coordinate closely with production, warehouse, accounting, and suppliers to ensure on-time material availability and smooth supply chain operations. Utilize advanced Excel reporting and analysis tools, including VLOOKUPs and Pivot Tables, to support planning decisions and supply chain performance. Contribute to process improvement initiatives that enhance operational scalability and support business growth in a manufacturing environment. Essential Skills Minimum 23+ years of purchasing, planning, or materials management experience in a manufacturing environment. Hands-on experience running and correcting MRP outputs, with a solid understanding of planning logic and inventory impacts. Strong ERP system experience; Sage preferred, with SAP or Oracle also acceptable. Advanced Excel skills, including proficiency with VLOOKUPs and Pivot Tables. Experience in material planning, inventory management, and warehouse operations within a manufacturing setting. Ability to establish, implement, and improve SOPs in a rapidly growing manufacturing operation. High level of attention to detail and ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities. Strong communication and organizational skills to collaborate effectively across production, warehouse, accounting, and supplier teams. Additional Skills & Qualifications High School Diploma or equivalent required. Bachelors degree preferred. Experience in food manufacturing and import logistics is beneficial. Background in inventory analysis and supporting inventory accuracy initiatives. Experience supporting business growth and process improvements in a manufacturing environment. Ability to adapt to growth and operational change and thrive in a fast-paced environment. Work Environment This is a fully onsite role in Bethlehem, PA, based in a manufacturing environment that is expanding from three production lines to nine. The standard schedule is approximately 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with some schedule flexibility potentially required to support production and supply chain needs. You will work closely with production, warehouse, accounting, and supply chain teams, with regular interaction across the facility. The environment is fast-paced and growth-oriented, offering the opportunity to build processes, implement SOPs, and directly impact operational scalability and company performance. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bethlehem, PA. Pay And Benefits The pay range for this position is $29.25 - $40.00/hr. Individual compensation o…