• Buyer Planner

    Aston Carter (Lake Forest, CA)


    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 documentation

    + Schedule and facilitate monthly SIOP meetings, including follow-up on action items

    + Monitor purchase order ship dates, expediting or escalating as necessary

    + Resolve supply challenges to prevent stock-outs

    + Create and adjust purchase orders to ensure accurate ship dates and quantities

    + Maintain ERP systems with current lead times, minimum order quantities, and safety stock levels

    + Generate shortage reports and drive corrective action plans for late deliveries

    + Optimize inbound freight by adjusting purchase order quantities for container utilization

    + Analyze excess and obsolete inventory, collaborating with finance on write-offs

    + Support new product development initiatives with supply chain planning

    + Manage demand signals for parts phasing out of production to minimize exposure

    + Reduce minimum order quantities or lead times to support inventory turns and working capital goals

    + Participate in long-range planning to identify bottlenecks and contribute to capacity expansion strategies

    Essential Skills

    + Bachelor’s degree required

    + 5+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain within a manufacturing environment

    + Proficiency with ERP systems such as NetSuite, SAP, or Navision

    + Experience in global sourcing and working with international suppliers

    + Familiarity with electronic components, molded parts, mechanical assemblies, and finished goods

    + Strong knowledge of purchasing principles and vendor management

    + Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills

    + Highly detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management abilities

    + Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel (pivot tables and VLOOKUPs)

     

    Additional Skills and Qualifications

     

    + Knowledge of import/export compliance, logistics, and inventory control is advantageous

    + Supply 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 & WellnessMedical 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 proceduresVision 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 SupportRetirement 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 OffVacation 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 5, 2025.

    About Aston Carter:

    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.

     

    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.

     

    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 [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.