Merchandise Planner, Sr. jobs in Little Rock, AR

POSITION SUMMARY

The role of Senior Buyer/Planner will focus on the procurement of technical, highly engineered components utilized in the Wireless Infrastructure Industry. The Sr. Buyer/Planner will ensure adherence to corporate standards, operational plans and Procurement goals including: RFQ's, negotiations, cost accountability, purchase order placement, resolution of supply issues to meet customer demand, resolution of invoicing issues, project execution, and attainment of Key Process Indicators (KPIs). The Sr. Buyer/planner will be responsible for determining sourcing options, supplier capability, make/buy analysis, cost analysis, planning levels, inventory accuracy, and maintaining material master/information records in the ERP system.

This role requires the ability to work in a fast paced, telecommunications environment with constant changes, manage several projects at once, demonstrating the ability to come up with creative approaches to complex challenges. This role requires commitment to developing strong relationships internally and externally focused on meeting the needs of our customers while accomplishing the strategic and financial objectives of PerfectVision

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable Accommodations Statement 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function and basic duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and basic duties.

Essential Functions Statement(s) 

• Use historical data to assist in the buying decision-making process. Analyze inventory trends, sales history, industry performance, and market conditions to anticipate present and future price changes, product availability, lead-time, and capability of vendors. 
• React quickly to changing market demands and drive strong product margins by using available vendor and product information to buy product that satisfies supply and demand needs while meeting cost reduction requirements. 
• Ensure an adequate level of stock is available to customers when needed while minimizing overages or shortages.
• Negotiate and source vendors for new and/or existing items to secure quality product selection, low pricing and shipping, customer service, and on-time deliveries. 
• Maintain accurate reports with purchasing information, vendor lead times, open purchases, commitments and shortages to ensure clear communication between vendors and impacted departments.
• Track purchase status and evaluate vendor performance related to on-time delivery, fill rates and errors, transfer cost improvements, support, and other related delivery measures.
• Reconcile purchase orders, packing slips, and invoices to ensure accurate pricing, quantity, freight cost, shipping location and net terms. Work with the accounting department to ensure appropriate documentation is received for payment to vendors.
• Add, update and maintain each item number, cost, classification, specification, and product description in the company’s database and website. Estimate gross profit for sales pricing by reviewing actual cost and desired gross profit margins.
• Answer general questions related to product specification, inventory, new item requirements, estimated date of delivery and other related product information.
• Build strong relationships with vendors that include trust, integrity, follow-up, and honesty. Maintain positive working relationships with current vendors to ensure best available product and services. 
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with other team members within the department and throughout the organization.
• Regular and prompt attendance at work is a primary function and requirement of this position.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• High School Graduate or General Education Degree (GED); and
• Some college knowledge in areas such as business administration, supply chain management, logistics, merchandising, procurement, or related field or equivalent work experience required.

Experience

• Five years plus of experience in planning, buying, and other purchasing and inventory roles which requires use of purchasing concepts, practices, and procedures, in a manufacturing or distribution environment; or
• Two to three years of Wireless Infrastructure industry and product knowledge with past experience in a fast paced work environment that involves a high level of analytical skills and attention to detail. 

Computer Skills

• Computer literate in a Microsoft Windows environment. 
• Microsoft Excel – Intermediate level. Must have the ability to perform functions such as creating a spreadsheet, formatting a spreadsheet, using the formula bar to perform various functions, importing/exporting documents, and calculating numbers. 
• Microsoft Outlook – Basic level. Must have the ability to perform functions such as composing, sending, forwarding and replying to incoming e-mail, attaching computerized files, and utilizing calendar and task reminders.
• Microsoft Word – Basic level. Must have the ability to perform functions such as composing, editing, naming and saving documents, formatting text, and printing.
• Internet Explorer or other web browsers – Basic level. Must have the ability to perform functions such as navigating through websites via hyperlinks and searching websites using various search engines and boomerang searches.        
• Accurate 10-Key by touch, alphanumeric.
• Accurate typing skills, approximately 30 words per minute. 
• General knowledge of how to use a calculator, scanner, copy machine, fax machine, printer, telephone and various standard office equipment. 
• Working experience using Microsoft Dynamics AX Software and/or purchasing and inventory management systems, programs, and reports is a plus. 

Other Requirements 

• Proficient in intermediate mathematical skills such as adding, subtracting, dividing, multiplying, and calculation of fractions, percentages, ratio, and measurements. 
• Primary language used to perform this job is English. Bilingual in Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, or French would be helpful.