Full Time, Exempt, Travel up to 10%

Location: Bethlehem, PA (Onsite / Full-time)

The Planner / Buyer plays a key role in supporting Merit’s manufacturing and supply chain operations by driving effective production planning and procurement activities. This position is responsible for ensuring the timely availability of materials, building strong supplier partnerships, and collaborating cross-functionally with production, engineering, and project teams to meet project timelines and quality standards. Reporting to the Sr. Director of Manufacturing and Supply Chain, the Planner / Buyer will help optimize inventory, support efficient workflows, and contribute to the success of a fast-growing, innovative organization.

Key Responsibilities

Planning & Scheduling:

• Develop and maintain daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules based on sales forecasts, project timelines, and inventory levels.
• Coordinate with project management, production, and warehouse teams to ensure material availability and efficient workflow.
• Actively participate in daily production meetings.
• Create and manage assembly work orders, maintain planning parameters in ERP system.
• Coordinate with production and engineering teams to ensure alignment of procurement with fabrication timelines.
• Adjust production plans to accommodate changes in project schedules, capacity constraints, or supply disruptions.
• Analyze inventory trends and implement strategies to minimize excess stock and prevent shortages. Maintain zero stock outs and aggregate inventory turns > 12 per year.
• Maintain accurate planning data within ERP/MRP systems and generate production performance reports.
• Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) such as schedule adherence, inventory turnover, and on-time delivery rates.

Procurement & Sourcing:

• Source and purchase raw materials, components, and other parts necessary to support projects, configuration, and fabrication.
• Negotiate pricing, delivery terms, and contracts with suppliers.
• Support tracking of supplier performance and maintenance of approved vendor lists

Logistics & Coordination:

• Track and expedite orders to ensure on-time delivery.
• Resolve supply chain issues such as delays, quality concerns, and inventory discrepancies.
• Collaborate with warehouse team to manage inbound shipments and inventory accuracy.
• Monitor and report performance of logistics providers and maintain approved provider list.

Documentation & Compliance:

• Maintain accurate records of purchase orders, supplier communications, and inventory transactions.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Work with Quality Manager on inspection criteria, corrective actions, returns to suppliers, rework, warranty claims.
• Work with Finance on inventory counts and accuracy, inventory management.

Position Requirements

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in sourcing and production planning, preferably within a metal fabrication or manufacturing environment.

Required Skills/Competencies

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field (preferred).

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and advanced Excel skills.
• Solid understanding of lean manufacturing principles and inventory control techniques.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational abilities.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 standards and quality assurance practices.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and understand bills of materials (BOMs) and specifications.

Behavioral:

• Demonstrated ability to work well in collaborative team environment and start-up atmosphere.
• Enthusiasm for taking on new and challenging tasks.
• Strong interest in renewable energy, energy storage and their applications.
• Excellent analytical, quantitative, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced, collaborative working environment.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and self-starter.
• Sense of humor and ability to build positive relationships.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:

• Sitting/Standing/Flexibility: Ability to stand and sit for 8 or more hours when in an office environment.
• Speech/Reading: Ability to speak, read, and write English proficiently and deliver a variety of instructions furnished in written, verbal, diagram, or schedule form.
• Vision/Hearing: Ability to understand a variety of instructions furnished in written, verbal, diagram, or schedule form.

This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of critical planning and procurement functions while working closely with cross-functional teams in a growing organization. If you’re ready to contribute, learn, and grow with Merit, we encourage you to apply. Apply today!