The Production Buyer is an individual contributor responsible for coordinating material flow across the end-to-end production cycle. This role develops and executes production and supply plans based on demand forecasts, material availability, and manufacturing capacity.
Working with general supervision, the Production Buyer applies practical knowledge of materials planning and purchasing processes to maintain ERP planning parameters, ensure material availability, and support production continuity. The role analyzes operational data, resolves supply and inventory issues, and implements countermeasures to prevent recurrence.
The Production Buyer partners cross-functionally to balance supply and demand across suppliers, factory operations, and customer requirements to ensure on-time delivery of materials and finished goods.
Key Responsibilities:
- Execute material purchasing activities to ensure uninterrupted production flow and adherence to quality and delivery targets
- Monitor and resolve supply disruptions, including vendor-related line-stopping issues, with urgency and ownership
- Maintain and optimize ERP planning parameters (e.g., lead times, lot sizes, safety stock) to support production and inventory objectives
- Analyze inventory, demand, and supply data to identify issues and implement effective countermeasures
- Partner with factory teams, schedulers, and engineers to support inventory control and production execution
- Support supplier performance and engagement in partnership with Strategic Sourcing, including cost, quality, and delivery improvements
- Apply Lean materials strategies (Kanban, consignment, JIT, postponement) to improve flow and reduce inventory
- Participate in continuous improvement activities using Fortive Business System (FBS) tools
- Support New Product Introduction (NPI) execution to ensure material readiness for product launches
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, or a related field
- 1–4 years of experience in planning, purchasing, or inventory control within a Lean manufacturing environment
- Proven ability to solve inventory and supply-related challenges
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems
- Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Self-starter with a continuous improvement mindset