Job Title: Buyer / Materials Planner (Direct Materials)
Pay Rate: $36/hour
Location: On-site (Not Remote)
1st shift- Temp to hire
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced Buyer / Materials Planner to support direct material procurement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role involves working independently on moderately complex assignments, making informed decisions within established procurement practices, and collaborating cross-functionally to ensure operational success.
You will act as a key liaison between internal teams, suppliers, and customers - supporting both pre-production ramp-up and full-scale manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities
- Procure direct materials and services to support production operations
- Serve as the primary communication link between internal teams, suppliers, and customers
- Review requisitions, evaluate vendor bids, and initiate purchase orders
- Execute purchasing activities driven by MRP systems
- Manage procurement for new product introductions and existing products
- Coordinate last-time buys for end-of-life products
- Ensure on-time delivery, manage inventory levels, and monitor purchase price variance
- Analyze forecast accuracy and report findings
- Maintain and update standard costs for assigned parts
- Support sourcing and quoting activities to improve supply continuity and reduce costs
- Resolve supply chain issues (shortages, allocations, discrepancies, etc.)
- Manage supplier relationships and performance, including regular reviews and improvement plans
- Track and drive key KPIs (on-time delivery, PO acknowledgments, past due shipments, etc.)
- Support audit readiness (ISO/internal audits) and address findings
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, including data integrity and parameter management
- Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions
Required Skills & Qualifications
- 4–7 years of experience in direct material buying, preferably in a manufacturing environment
- Experience with MRP systems and SAP
- Strong analytical skills using Excel or Google Sheets
- Solid understanding of procurement, inventory, and supplier management processes
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting
- Strong communication and collaboration skills across internal and external stakeholders
- Problem-solving mindset with attention to detail and accuracy
- Familiarity with supply chain policies, procedures, and ISO standards
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- Experience in electronic manufacturing environments
Pay Details: $36.00 per hour
Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Military connected talent encouraged to apply
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
- The California Fair Chance Act
- Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
- Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
- San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.