Buyer/Planner

To excel as a Buyer/Planner at Alto-Shaam, candidates must have strong analytical skills, proficiency with ERP systems (Oracle preferred), and effective communication abilities. Experience in supply chain management and materials management in a manufacturing setting is crucial, along with a focus on customer service to support timely deliveries.

The Buyer/Planner at Alto-Shaam is responsible for analyzing MRP, managing inventory, collaborating with engineering on changes, processing purchase orders, and ensuring timely delivery of raw materials. The role also requires developing strategies for supply chain optimization and maintaining healthy supplier relationships.

To qualify for the Buyer/Planner role at Alto-Shaam, candidates should have a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, with an emphasis in Business, Supply Chain, or Operations Management. A minimum of three years of relevant experience is necessary, with certifications like CPSM or APICS being preferred.

At Alto-Shaam, continuous improvement is woven into our culture. As a Buyer/Planner, you will be encouraged to engage in structured problem-solving activities focused on supplier performance and process improvement, allowing you to develop professionally while contributing to our team's success.

Alto-Shaam fosters a collaborative and supportive culture where every team member plays a vital role in driving innovation. As a Buyer/Planner, you will be part of a passionate team dedicated to working together towards common goals, making it an excellent environment for professional growth.

As a Buyer/Planner at Alto-Shaam, you will primarily use Oracle Fusion for managing procurement and master data. Additionally, proficiency with Microsoft Business Suite is necessary to complete various tasks effectively, ensuring smooth operations throughout the supply chain.

The travel requirement for the Buyer/Planner position at Alto-Shaam is minimal, typically less than 5%. This allows you to primarily focus on your responsibilities within the Menomonee Falls location while maintaining strong supplier relationships.

When managing inventory levels, I utilize MRP tools to analyze historical data and forecast demand accurately, allowing me to set appropriate safety stocks and reorder points, ensuring we have the right materials at the right time without overstocking.

In my previous roles, I've applied best practices such as just-in-time inventory and supplier relationship management to optimize our supply chain. I continually evaluate our processes for efficiencies and implement strategies that target cost reductions while enhancing service levels.

I maintain proactive communication with suppliers, regularly follow up on order statuses, and create contingency plans for any potential delays. Building strong relationships helps foster reliability and accountability among the suppliers.

In my last role, I identified bottlenecks in our procurement process related to manual data entry. I advocated for the implementation of an automated system, which reduced processing time by 30% and improved overall supplier response times.

When conflicts arise, I prioritize open and respectful communication. I focus on understanding the root cause of the issue, follow up with a fact-based discussion, and collaborate on a solution that meets both our company's and the supplier’s needs.

I regularly review industry reports, attend trade shows, and connect with industry experts to stay informed on market trends. This allows me to anticipate shifts in availability and pricing, enabling smarter, data-driven purchasing decisions.

When juggling multiple projects, I create a criticality matrix to prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact. This helps me focus on high-priority issues while ensuring that I allocate time for long-term projects that align with company goals.

I have extensive experience with Oracle Fusion ERP, utilizing it for procurement, inventory management, and data reporting. My proficiency allows me to efficiently manage purchase orders, track inventory levels, and analyze spending to inform strategic decisions.

To ensure accuracy, I implement a meticulous review process prior to submitting purchase orders. I double-check inputs against source documentation and conduct regular audits of data in the ERP system to maintain integrity throughout our procurement processes.

Collaboration is essential in my role as a Buyer/Planner. I actively engage with internal teams like engineering and production to understand their needs and challenges, facilitating timely procurement decisions that align with our organization's goals.