Join a thriving, privately-held leader in global manufacturing solutions, with over 20 years of expertise in simplifying complex international supply chains for North American manufacturers. We specialize in sourcing and delivering precision-engineered components—including castings (such as magnesium die, gray/ductile iron, investment), forgings (steel and aluminum), and machined parts—through a vetted network of world-class global suppliers, backed by strong U.S.-based engineering, quality, and logistics teams. Our approach emphasizes risk reduction, tariff mitigation, compliance expertise, cost optimization, lead time efficiency, and flexible inventory solutions like stateside stocking and JIT delivery. Recognized as an award-winning supplier (including multiple honors for quality, delivery, cost savings, and Supplier of the Year), we build trusted, long-term partnerships that drive performance, profitability, and innovation across industries like automotive, industrial equipment, power sports, lawn & garden, construction, automation, energy storage, and medical.
Our high-energy, collaborative culture values transparency, technical acumen, attention to detail, and exceptional customer service. Employees thrive in a supportive environment where teams work hard, learn from global cultures, celebrate successes, and make meaningful impacts—often described as an extension of our clients' own operations. If you're passionate about supply chain excellence, international trade, and contributing to a growing organization that prioritizes partnership and results, this role offers the chance to grow your career while shaping efficient global operations.
### Job Title: Buyer/Planner
**Location:** Cincinnati, Ohio
**Position Type:** Full-time
**Working Hours:** Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
### Position Summary
As a Buyer/Planner, you'll be at the heart of our supply chain operations, managing purchasing, inbound logistics, inventory planning, and compliance to ensure seamless delivery of high-quality components from global suppliers to U.S. warehouses. This role involves close collaboration with customer service, sales, and logistics partners to balance cost, lead times, quality, and customer satisfaction in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Ideal for a proactive, detail-oriented professional who enjoys owning processes, driving KPIs, and contributing to operational success in global manufacturing.
### Key Responsibilities
**Purchasing & Supplier Coordination**
\- Partner with customer service to analyze forecasts, track demand shifts, and refine purchasing and inventory strategies.
\- Issue and manage purchase orders based on forecasts, sales orders, and inventory goals.
\- Cultivate strong supplier relationships to secure on-time deliveries, maintain quality standards, and ensure proactive updates.
\- Serve as primary contact for new bookings, verifying packing lists include PO details, part specs, and readiness dates.
\- Assess needs for expediting, then secure containers considering transit modes, costs, lead times, and arrival ports.
**Logistics & Freight Management**
\- Coordinate with freight forwarders to book space, handle adjustments, and track shipments.
\- Document quoted costs and maintain detailed shipment tracking records.
\- Input shipment details, customs, and trucking fees into our ERP system (Acumatica).
\- Monitor port arrivals and updates via tracking systems, coordinating rail and trucking logistics to our Cincinnati warehouse.
\- Provide timely warehouse updates on container arrivals and quantities.
\- Review and approve freight invoices, ensuring alignment with quotes before processing.
\- Prepare and share biweekly freight reports with accounting and sales teams.
**Inventory & Risk Management**
\- Optimize safety stock, minimum order quantities, and lead times using forecasts and historical data.
\- Monitor and mitigate excess or obsolete inventory, flagging risks for items aging over 90 days.
\- Support new product introductions with supplier coordination, timing, and logistics planning.
\- Oversee external warehouse "ship to/from" operations.
\- Handle damage claims by investigating root causes and processing as needed.
**Compliance & Reporting**
\- Ensure full compliance with import/export regulations and documentation for all shipments.
\- Track and report key supply chain metrics, including on-time delivery, inventory turnover, and freight performance.
\- Maintain precise purchase order and shipment data in ERP systems.
\- Contribute to cross-functional projects and additional tasks as business needs evolve.
### Qualifications and Requirements
\- 3–5 years of experience in purchasing, planning, supply chain operations, or related roles; Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, or a relevant field preferred.
\- Solid knowledge of end-to-end supply chain processes, including global purchasing, importing, and inventory management.
\- Experience with international sourcing and U.S. import compliance (highly preferred).
\- Hands-on proficiency with ERP/MRP systems for purchasing and inventory; Acumatica experience is a plus.
\- Advanced Excel skills and ability to create/maintain reports and analytics.
\- Familiarity with automated logistics platforms or freight management tools is advantageous.
\- Strong ownership mindset: accountable for KPIs and proactive in addressing gaps.
\- Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
\- Self-motivated and able to excel independently or collaboratively in a team setting.
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
This is a compelling opportunity to join a respected, growing company where your expertise directly impacts customer success and operational efficiency. If this aligns with your skills and career goals, we'd love to hear from you!