Buyer Planner – Job Description

Overview

The Buyer Planner will work closely with global sales teams, internal manufacturing sites, and external suppliers to ensure purchased components and finished goods are available to meet customer demand. This role plays a key part in monthly Global Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SIOP) reviews for the flagship product line, helping to maintain an optimized supply chain and consistently high service levels.

Responsibilities

Prepare and maintain SIOP files and documentationSchedule and facilitate monthly SIOP meetings, including follow-up on action itemsMonitor purchase order ship dates, expediting or escalating as necessaryResolve supply challenges to prevent stock-outsCreate and adjust purchase orders to ensure accurate ship dates and quantitiesMaintain ERP systems with current lead times, minimum order quantities, and safety stock levelsGenerate shortage reports and drive corrective action plans for late deliveriesOptimize inbound freight by adjusting purchase order quantities for container utilizationAnalyze excess and obsolete inventory, collaborating with finance on write-offsSupport new product development initiatives with supply chain planningManage demand signals for parts phasing out of production to minimize exposureReduce minimum order quantities or lead times to support inventory turns and working capital goalsParticipate in long-range planning to identify bottlenecks and contribute to capacity expansion strategies

Essential Skills

Bachelor’s degree required5+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain within a manufacturing environmentProficiency with ERP systems such as NetSuite, SAP, or NavisionExperience in global sourcing and working with international suppliersFamiliarity with electronic components, molded parts, mechanical assemblies, and finished goodsStrong knowledge of purchasing principles and vendor managementExcellent negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skillsHighly detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management abilitiesProficient in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel (pivot tables and VLOOKUPs)

Additional Skills and Qualifications

Knowledge of import/export compliance, logistics, and inventory control is advantageousSupply chain certifications such as APICS, Six Sigma, or CPM are highly desirable

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Lake Forest, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $85000.00/yr.

Health & Wellness
Medical Insurance: Comprehensive coverage including doctor visits, hospital stays, and preventive care; Multiple plan options available to suit individual needs.
Dental Insurance: Coverage for routine cleanings, check-ups, and major dental procedures
Vision Insurance: Includes annual eyes exams, glasses, and contact lenses.
Health Savings Account (HSA): A personal healthcare bank account to pay out-of-pocket medical expenses with pretax dollars.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for personal and work-related matters.
Wellness Activities & Challenges: Occasional company-sponsored activities to encourage a healthy lifestyle.

Financial Support
Retirement Plan: Safe Harbor 401(k) plan with company matching contributions up 5%. Once eligible, team members are 100% vested from day 1.
Life Insurance: Employer-paid basic life insurance with options to purchase additional coverage.
Short-Term Disability Insurance Plan (for Team Members Outside of California): Offers financial support if you lose time on the job due to an injury unrelated to a worker’s compensation incident or illness.
Long-Term Disability Insurance Plan: Offers financial protection if you become disabled and can longer work. It will also help you return to work, if appropriate.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Tax-free accounts for eligible health and dependent care expenses.

Paid Time Off
Vacation Days: 2 weeks (80 hours) of paid vacation annually, with additional accrual for longer tenure.
Sick Leave: 1 week (40 hours) of paid sick leave per year to address health needs.
Paid Holidays: Observance of 11 major national and company-specific holidays.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Lake Forest,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Dec 8, 2025.

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\n\nAbout Aston Carter:\n

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.

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The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

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If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.

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