Buyer Planner at Precision Aerospace LLC – Phoenix, Arizona

Planner / Buyer

Industry: Aerospace Manufacturing

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Compensation: Commensurate with Experience

Job Summary

The Planner/Buyer is responsible for production planning, material procurement, and inventory management to support on-time delivery, cost control, and quality objectives in an aerospace manufacturing environment. This role works cross-functionally with Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Sales, and Program Management to ensure materials, outside processing, and production schedules align with customer demand and internal capacity.

Key Responsibilities & Expectations

Production Planning

• Plan, issue, and control material demand to support production schedules and customer delivery requirements.
• Maintain and manage production schedules, MRP outputs, and planning reports.
• Analyze MRP demand and identify critical shortages or production roadblocks.
• Advise management on work-in-process status, material availability, and potential production constraints.
• Work cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Sales to meet customer OTTR (On-Time-To-Request) goals.
• Prepare shop travelers and production documentation as required.
• Monitor daily capacity and production progress; recommend schedule adjustments as needed.
• Prepare and manage outside process purchase orders, including tracking and expediting.
• Meet weekly with Operations and Planning to provide updates and forecasts.
• Collaborate with the Sales team to develop a rolling six-month production forecast based on customer demand outlook.

Purchasing & Supplier Management

• Act as the logistics facilitator to coordinate purchasing and outside processing activities in support of production schedules.
• Ensure purchase order pricing, terms, and delivery dates are accurately entered into the ERP system.
• Release purchase orders only to approved suppliers in compliance with AS9100 and the Approved Supplier List (ASL).
• Follow up and expedite supplier deliveries to support production plans.
• Manage supplier-related issues, including delivery delays, quality concerns, and capacity constraints.
• Communicate daily material and supplier status updates to Program Managers, Production Control, and Planning teams.
• Support administrative purchasing activities, including RMAs, warranty claims, returns, and disposition of nonconforming material.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Quality & Compliance

• Support AS9100 compliance by ensuring suppliers meet quality, delivery, and documentation requirements.
• Work closely with the Quality department to resolve supplier quality issues and prevent recurrence.
• Promote a “right the first time” mindset across planning and procurement activities.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in production planning, purchasing, or supply chain within aerospace or precision manufacturing preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• High attention to detail with strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, talking, hearing, seeing, writing, and typing.
• Ability to lift and/or carry up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, push, pull, grasp, twist, and bend as required.
• Exposure to moderate noise levels in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, and safety shoes.

Goals & Objectives

Supplier Performance

• Strengthen supplier relationships to improve pricing, delivery, and quality.
• Conduct regular supplier reviews and maintain proactive communication.

Delivery & Accuracy

• Improve purchase order accuracy and supplier on-time delivery performance.
• Proactively manage lead times to prevent production delays.

Production Efficiency

• Optimize production schedules to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime.
• Improve on-time production and customer delivery performance.

Demand Alignment

• Align production plans with sales forecasts and customer demand.
• Reduce lead times through improved cross-functional coordination.

Quality Excellence

• Ensure all materials and services meet quality standards and specifications.
• Reduce defects and rework through effective supplier and planning controls.
• Support continuous improvement and customer satisfaction initiatives.