The Buyer / Planner is responsible for managing the portfolio of raw materials, packaging, and traded goods required for production of adhesive materials in the plant(s) they support, as well as planning and scheduling production of products within their assigned perimeter. Responsible for maintaining close relationships with vendors, the DAMPE organization and local production team.

Key Activities

• Analyzes material forecasts to determine future purchasing needs; communicates forecasts to suppliers, as required.
• Converts purchase requisitions to purchase orders, based on MRP requirements and aligned to strategy as defined by Strategic Manager and within Arkema policies.
• Works directly with Supply Management to set and manage inventory levels. Supports inventory optimization actions.
• Coordinates with central purchasing group (i.e. DAMPE) updates to vendor information and pricing.
• Tracks delivery dates on Purchase Orders and communicate potential delays to planner, sourcing manager, or other interested parties. Work with suppliers to resolve delays impacting production plan.
• Collaborates with plant logistics to organize inbound deliveries aligned with receiving capabilities. Provides support for receiving personnel.
• Maintains contacts at suppliers to enable smooth and reactive communication related to delivery, quality, or other needs.
• Enters supplier complaints within ERP quality module and manages through closure.
• Participates in vendor performance evaluation process.
• Maintains relevant master data in ERP system to allow accurate and timely purchasing and production activities.
• Maintains daily rituals to review production requirements, create and maintain a production schedule for plant work centers within perimeter. Clears unneeded planned requirements.
• Collaborates with the other plant planners and manufacturing team to align supply of intermediate material with production plan in other workshops.
• Executes subcontracting workflows for tolled materials, as assigned.
• Supports Continuous Improvement opportunities and contributes to cost and risk reduction efforts.
• Participates in SIOP process.
• Monitors relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to takes appropriate action to meet targets

Accountabilities

• Order management KPIs (e.g. on-time receipts, PO dates, order quantities, etc.)
• Maintaining accurate and relevant product information for buying (e.g. lead times, min. order qty., supplier contacts, etc.)
• and planning/scheduling (e.g. min. lot size, lot sizing, replenishment lead time, etc.)

Qualifications / Experience required

• Bachelor's degree in related field or Associates degree with 2+ years' experience in purchasing and/or planning, CPIM preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Office, SAP experience preferred.
• Comfortable working cross-functionally and influencing without direct authority.
• Excellent leadership, organization, planning and problem solving skills