This position will require planning and buying experience. Working closely with the Senior Buyer and production team, the primary focus of the Planner/Buyer will be production planning in our manufacturing facility.The candidate will also be responsible for converting purchase requisitions into purchase orders after evaluating vendor capability, price, delivery needs and vendor performance.

• Create the Master Production Schedule (MPS) based on production capacity, materials availability, and contractual requirements.

• Obtain agreement from production, materials, and program office before execution of the MPS.

• Convert purchase requisitions into purchase orders after evaluating vendor capability, price, delivery needs and vendor performance.

• Facilitate and manage any supplier issues (i.e., cost, quality, delivery, customer service).

• Manage all aspects of suppliers, including A/P holds.

• Maintain the MPS files.

• Ensure closeout of old programs/jobs to include the disposition of all requisition, purchase orders, and residual inventory.

• Monitor shipping performance to MPS and contract and create tracking reports.

• Track and report the number of changes to each MPS.

• Initiate and follow through on any supplier changes (Engineering Change Notices).

• Establish and maintain sound professional relationships with suppliers. Resolve issues (e.g., pricing, quality, timing, claims, contract disputes, etc.) associated with terms and conditions of service agreements.

• Ensure product is moving from production to packaging to shipping.

• Understand demand/spend profile for commodity areas and provide this information as necessary.

• Work closely with manufacturing to establish and evolve a stable manufacturing schedule.

• Track and report cost savings or avoidances.

• Improve current system, functions, and daily operations to more effectively meet goals.

• Responsible for rescheduling daily delivery requirements if problems require a re-plan to meet internal needs and contractual obligations.

• Consolidate demand for purchase requisitions.

• Maintain current accurate records and files of all vendor agreements and related procurement records.

• Communicate supplier performance, including supplier visits as required.

• Be the primary contact between DRS personnel and assigned suppliers.

• Support, communicate, and defend the mission, values, and culture of the company.

• Monitor and maintain Bill of Materials, lead times, planning parameters and master data records for assigned range of parts and materials.

• Monitor material supply and identify potential shortages or bottlenecks. Track material shortages and related resupply timelines.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in related field and a minimum of 5 years demonstrated experience in planning and purchasing
• Solid understanding of business processes and functional inter-relationships.
• Strong background in project material management.
• Extensive experience in production planning.
• Requires the ability to understand military specs and read blueprints.
• Requires the ability to understand and adhere to all laws pertaining to procurement, contracts, breach by contract, etc.
• Skilled in the use of Excel, Excel Pivot Tables, PowerPoint, Word, as well as SharePoint.
• Knowledge and use of price and cost analysis.
• Excellent understanding of MRP systems.
• Strong negotiating skills.