Buyer

Buyer/Planner III

Location: Arden Hills, MN

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days onsite / 2 days remote)

Pay Rate: Up to $52.50 an hour or about $106,000 a year

Job Type: 6-Month Contract with opportunity to extend

Work Authorization: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Buyer/Planner III to support supply chain, procurement, and production planning activities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for material planning, inventory management, purchasing, supplier coordination, and production scheduling to ensure uninterrupted operations. The ideal candidate is a proactive, self-motivated professional who enjoys solving problems, driving continuous improvement, and collaborating across multiple departments.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and monitor materials throughout the production cycle to maintain optimal inventory levels.
• Manage shipping, receiving, storage, inventory control, and distribution of materials, parts, and supplies.
• Source inventory and non-inventory materials while supporting procurement activities.
• Create and manage purchase orders for indirect goods and services (MRO and non-production materials).
• Coordinate with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery and resolve supply issues.
• Partner with manufacturing, engineering, finance, quality, and other internal teams to support business objectives.
• Support month-end inventory reconciliation, cost collection, and inventory accuracy.
• Maintain master schedules and monitor material availability to support production requirements.
• Work closely with the Quality team to ensure compliance with company quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve procurement and planning processes through automation, Lean principles, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support digital transformation efforts within Supply Chain by leveraging AI-powered productivity tools and data-driven decision making.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required (MBA preferred).
• 6+ years of experience in purchasing, production planning, materials management, or supply chain.
• Project management experience.
• Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems, with the ability to quickly learn new software.
• Strong understanding of inventory planning, procurement, supplier management, and material control.
• Experience supporting manufacturing or production environments.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using AI-powered tools such as Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT Enterprise, or procurement AI platforms to improve productivity and decision-making.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Experience identifying automation opportunities that improve efficiency and data accuracy.
• Experience supporting digital transformation initiatives within Supply Chain.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a go-getter who takes ownership, works independently, and thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate is proactive, resourceful, and continuously looks for ways to improve processes while building strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Advantage Technical connects top- talent in technology, engineering, and technical fields with forward-looking companies.

Advantage Technical is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Advantage Technical offers reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities; contact your local branch for inquiries. Advantage Technical is an E-Verify employer. See our Privacy Notice for Candidates and Employees/Contractors at https://smgroupna.com/privacy-notice-for-candidates-and-employees-contractors. By applying, you consent to receive AI-generated and non-AI-generated calls, texts, or emails from Staffmark Group, its affiliates, and partners. Frequency varies and message/data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for help.