Buyer/Planner

AMETEK Specialty Metals Products (SMP) Wallingford is a US-based pioneer in the manufacturer of High Purity Metal Strip, Specialty Shaped Wire, Engineered Shaped Components and Thermal Management Materials. With more than 50 years of experience, AMETEK SMP Wallingford has numerous patents in technically advanced metallurgical materials and is a global leader in High Purity Materials via Wrought Powder Metallurgy.

AMETEK is seeking a hands-on, highly motivated Buyer/Planner who will coordinate production planning and procurement activities to ensure timely delivery of products while maintaining optimal inventory levels and cost efficiency.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and manage production schedules to meet customer delivery requirements.
• Create, release, and update work orders from order receipt through shipment.
• Forecast material requirements and ensure timely availability of raw materials.
• Procure materials, equipment, and services at optimal cost, quality, and delivery.
• Build and manage purchase orders using ERP systems, Kanban, and inventory strategies.
• Monitor inventory levels and optimize stock (raw, WIP, finished goods) to balance cost and availability.
• Evaluate, select, and manage supplier performance, including negotiations and cost reductions.
• Expedite orders and resolve supply, quality, or delivery issues with vendors.
• Collaborate with sales, operations, engineering, and quality teams to support production and new product initiatives.
• Track and report key metrics (on-time delivery, inventory turns, supplier performance) and drive continuous improvement.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

SKILLS:

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Effective communication and negotiation abilities
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office (Excel required)
• Ability to read and interpret technical instructions and production requirements
• Mechanical aptitude and attention to detail preferred
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles or certification (e.g., Six Sigma, APICS) preferred
• Ability and willingness to use AI tools to improve productivity, decision-making, work quality, and to reduce costs. The successful candidate must be able to identify appropriate AI use cases and critically evaluate AI-generated outputs

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field required
• Minimum 5 years of experience in production planning and/or purchasing in a manufacturing environment (make-to-order preferred)
• Experience with ERP systems and production/material planning tools required (Navision preferred)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• This position requires walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, sitting, feeling, seeing, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Ability to work around and on industrial equipment.
• Ability to work from heights.
• Ability to ascend and descend steep stairs and platforms.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on a infrequent basis.
• Must be willing to work around dust, and other substances.
• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including but not limited to: hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, steel-toed boots, and hearing protection.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Required to work in a normal office environment with significant time spent in the production area.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The production area is not climate controlled.