Buyer – Planner

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Michigan.

📋 Description

• Develop and oversee purchase orders in Odoo, ensuring accurate pricing, quantities, and delivery timelines.

• Acquire order confirmations and monitor open and overdue purchase orders.

• Monitor shipments, expedite delayed orders, and communicate delivery risks to the hardware team.

• Maintain precise purchase order statuses, supplier records, and anticipated delivery dates in Odoo.

• Resolve discrepancies in orders, shortages, damaged shipments, and receiving challenges.

• Coordinate both domestic and international shipments with suppliers and logistics partners.

• Procure prototype components, low-volume parts, and urgent engineering materials.

• Collaborate with engineering to comprehend upcoming parts requirements and shifting build priorities.

• Monitor material availability in relation to prototype, integration, and vehicle build schedules.

• Identify shortages and long-lead items early, driving follow-up actions to safeguard builds.

• Work alongside the strategic sourcing specialist on new suppliers and awarded parts.

• Assist with RFQs, identification of alternative suppliers, and tactical sourcing initiatives.

• Coordinate material deliveries and inventory reconciliation with contract manufacturers.

• Collaborate with finance to address invoice discrepancies and supplier payment issues.

• Report directly to the Procurement & Inventory Lead and work in conjunction with engineering and finance.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, engineering, business, or a related discipline.

• 2–4 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain, preferably for hardware or manufactured products.

• Practical experience with PO and RFQ processes in an ERP or MRP system.

• Proficient in Excel or Google Sheets.

• Ability to utilize AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT for productivity enhancement.

• Tenacious and direct follow-up with suppliers, demonstrating persistence in resolving issues.

• Capacity to take ownership in an ambiguous environment without waiting for guidance.

• Preferred: experience in the automotive, robotics, AV/EV, or aerospace sectors, including procurement of electronics, harnesses, and metal fabrication parts.

• Preferred: experience working with contract manufacturers.

• Preferred: familiarity with international suppliers, Incoterms, and customs regulations.

• Preferred: experience with ERP systems and exposure to MRP, forecasting, or S&OP.

• Preferred: background in using MRP outputs, BOM revisions, material coverage reports, and inventory metrics.

• Preferred: experience supporting prototype builds, NPI, and production ramps.

• Preferred: experience in a fast-paced startup or scale-up environment.

🏝️ Benefits

• Equity