Buyer/Planner

Position Summary

The Buyer/Planner is responsible for ensuring the right materials are available at the right time to support CelLink’s production operations. This role combines purchasing and production planning activities, working closely with suppliers, operations, engineering, and finance. The Buyer/Planner monitors material requirements, places purchase orders, manages supplier relationships, and develops production schedules that optimize cost, quality, and delivery.

Career Path

Employees in this role may progress to more senior supply chain positions or transition into leadership roles depending on performance, skills, and business needs. Potential growth opportunities include advancement to Senior Buyer/Planner, Materials Manager, or Supply Chain Manager roles; movement into Operations or Program Management; or transition into cross-functional areas such as Production, Quality, or Engineering Support.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• Purchasing & Supplier Management: Plan and release purchase orders for raw materials, components, and indirect supplies; negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery; track supplier performance and resolve quality, delivery, or invoicing issues.
• Inventory & Material Planning: Monitor inventory levels, maintain accurate ERP/MRP planning parameters, and adjust schedules to minimize shortages, excess, or obsolescence.
• Production & Demand Alignment: Review material requirements, collaborate with production and engineering teams, and ensure supply is aligned with manufacturing demand and product changes.
• Reporting & Analysis: Prepare and analyze reports on inventory turns, supplier on-time delivery, and purchase price variance to drive visibility and decision-making.
• Process Improvement & Collaboration: Partner with cross-functional teams to support new product introductions and engineering changes while driving continuous improvement in procurement and planning processes.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area; follow prescribed safety and environmental regulations.
• Live CelLink’s culture of integrity, teamwork, self‑discipline, and professional competence; perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities):

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or related field; equivalent experience will be considered.
• 2–4 years of experience in procurement, planning, or supply chain within a manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar).
• Strong Excel and data analysis skills.
• Familiarity with supplier negotiations, contract terms, and purchasing best practices.
• Understanding of production scheduling and inventory management principles.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to balance competing priorities and adapt quickly to changes in demand or supply.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills with suppliers and internal teams.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to analyze problems, develop solutions, and implement process improvements.
• Team-oriented mindset with the ability to work cross-functionally.

Core Competencies

• Planning and organization
• Supplier relationship management
• Analytical problem-solving
• Business acumen in a manufacturing environment
• Continuous improvement mindset

Working Conditions / Hours

Full‑time, salaried‑exempt position. May require extended hours and occasional weekends to meet critical program milestones and customer requirements. Travel up to 20% to CelLink sites, vendors, integrators, and customer locations as needed.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Desk Situated on or Near the Manufacturing Floor: The office location may vary by site, but this position is primarily desk-based and located on or adjacent to the manufacturing floor. The employee frequently remains in a stationary position and operates a computer and other productivity tools. The employee regularly moves about both the desk location and manufacturing areas and communicates and exchanges information effectively.

Manufacturing/Shop Visits: Periodic exposure to high noise from operating equipment, moving mechanical parts, nuisance dust, and common industrial chemicals used in manufacturing.

Physical Demands – Manufacturing
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to communicate and exchange information effectively. The role may involve frequent use of a computer and related equipment to enter and process data.

Direct Reports:

None