Buyer Planner

April 22, 2011

Job Title – Buyer/Planner
Reports to –Operations Manager

Company Overview:
Terra Power Systems is a rapidly growing innovator and manufacturer of electrical distribution products for the heavy-duty truck and off-road vehicle industry. Our products are sold to OEM manufacturers and equipment distributors nationwide for use on military vehicles, work trucks, emergency vehicles, transit buses, and construction/agriculture equipment.

Buyer/Planner Position Overview:
Under supervision and direction from the Operations Manager, performs purchasing and material control duties. Materials or equipment purchased are processed, consumed or used in the organization and this function specifically strives to achieve company on time, fill rate and inventory performance goals.

Buyer/Planner General Duties:
• Develop long and short-range procurement strategies that ensure quality material supply with minimal cost
• Drive increasing inventory turns by developing, implementing and managing material replenishment processes
• Manage commodities based on MRP requirements to assure no stock-outs with minimal inventory using order modifiers and policies
• Work with suppliers and Engineering on process and design issues that affect current and future orders
• Prepare bid specifications and analyze bid responses
• Make purchases of commodities and components to support production
• Work directly in support of line operations
• Work in collaboration with department managers, engineers and operations staff
• Focus on time, fill rate and inventory performance goals
• Reconcile part on-hand quantity discrepancies through cycle counts
• Analyze impacts of engineering change orders, deviations and waivers to determine effectivity
• Support Sales and Engineering inquiries on material availability and costs
• Keep up with the rapidly changing markets, competitors and technologies
• Support Lean Initiatives by participating in Value Stream Mapping and Kaizen events that will eliminate waste and result in significant benefits throughout the Supply Chain
• Ability to work on the production line as this position will be part time until business conditions dictate that it become a full time position

Desired Experience & Education:

• 1-2 years purchasing and/or material management experience
• Data entry experience
• Kanban and lean manufacturing experience
• Demonstrated experience utilizing a MRP systems
• Demonstrated practical application of MRP logic, scheduling and order policies
• Demonstrated ability to develop, negotiate, and administer long term contracts
• Strong analytical, negotiating and communication skills
• Ability to read and procure using source control drawings
• Demonstrated excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage shifting priorities with tight deadlines
• APICS or CPM certification a plus

Desired Skills:
• B.S./B.A. Business Administration, Business Management/Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or equivalent is preferred
• Excellent written & verbal communication and follow-up skills
• Strong computer skills are required, including strong working experience with MS Office
• Requires a positive attitude and ability to work with people from all functions of the company
• Maintain the highest personal and professional ethical standards at all times
• Ability to accept direction, give updates on progress and complete projects in agreed timeline, is required
• Strong hands-on, roll-up the sleeves approach to solving problems, “Can-Do” attitude
• Ability to negotiate with suppliers to maximize inventory performance
• Working knowledge of materials planning and purchasing including forecasting demand and master scheduling

Benefits
Terra Power Systems offers a compensation package that includes profit sharing, health insurance, 401K program with company matching, paid vacation and PTO, 8 paid holidays per year and a collaborative working environment in a rapidly growing company.
Salary Range
Open. Initially dependent on experience, thereafter on performance
Terra Power Systems
425 Sequoia Dr.
Bellingham, WA 98226
Fax: 360-734-4195
e-mail: info@terra-ps.com
see www.terra-ps.com for more information

To apply:
Please submit resume to Steve Winters @Terra Power Systems by May 2, 2011.