Material Planner Buyer

As a Material Planner Buyer at Schluter Systems, your responsibilities include negotiating with vendors, maintaining purchasing agreements, assessing supplier profiles, measuring supplier performance, and determining optimal stocking quantities. You'll also analyze sales history and seasonality, manage supply inventory processes, and lead product innovation projects.

To qualify for the Material Planner Buyer role at Schluter Systems, candidates should have at least five years of experience in Planning or Purchasing, along with excellent communication, negotiation, and organizational skills. A BS degree is preferred along with a strong analytical mindset and problem-solving skills.

Schluter Systems supports the growth of its Material Planner Buyers through opportunities for advancement, generous paid time off, annual raises, and a commitment to employee development. The company fosters a collaborative environment where employees are treated as long-term partners.

Material Planner Buyers at Schluter Systems receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, guaranteed biannual bonuses, a 401k plan with company match, company-paid life insurance, and generous paid time off among other perks.

The company culture at Schluter Systems is built around a family-owned philosophy that values teamwork, innovation, and long-term partnerships. As a Material Planner Buyer, you’ll be part of a dynamic team that encourages thinking big and recognizes every employee's contributions.

When answering this question, highlight your past experiences with specific MRP systems you've used, mentioning how you leveraged these tools for inventory management, procurement efficiency, and supplier negotiations to meet company goals.

Discuss your strategy for vendor negotiations, emphasizing your preparation, communication skills, and how you build relationships to reach mutually beneficial agreements, while ensuring cost-effectiveness and quality.

Explain your approach to assessing supplier performance by discussing metrics like quality, reliability, and delivery times. Highlight the importance of regular reviews and feedback in maintaining strong partnerships.

Describe your process for managing inventory levels, including forecasting techniques, analyzing sales data, and considering seasonal changes. Provide examples of how your actions have led to improved inventory accuracy.

Share a specific situation where you identified a discrepancy, the steps you took to address the issue, and how your resolution positively impacted the supply chain or vendor relationship.

Discuss how a Material Planner Buyer can influence product innovation by bringing insights from market trends, supplier capabilities, and customer feedback into development discussions, ultimately improving product offerings.

Mention your strategies for staying updated on industry trends, such as attending trade shows, reading industry publications, and networking with other professionals to share knowledge and insights.

Highlight your focus on open communication, regular check-ins, and actively seeking feedback. Explain how building trust and a collaborative environment leads to stronger partnerships.

Share examples of how you prioritize tasks, remain organized, and maintain clear communication with stakeholders when faced with tight deadlines, demonstrating your ability to manage stress effectively.

Discuss your aspirations for growth within the field, how you hope to contribute to Schluter Systems, and your commitment to continuous learning and adaptation in the ever-evolving procurement landscape.