Planner/Buyers

Certified Inventory Optimization Professional (CIOP) is an end-to-end supply chain certification program. The certification consists of 30 modules focusing both on traditional and futuristic topics. The traditional topics are introduction to supply chain management, all about inventory, strategic business planning, forecasting, demand management, capacity management, sales and operations planning (S&OP), master scheduling (MPS), materials requirements planning (MRP) and production activity control (PAC). It also includes topics on procurement, warehousing, transportation, distribution, and packaging. The topic on the future trends such as Blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Machine Learning (M/L) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). There is a significant focus on supporting technologies such as forecasting and process mapping tools such as Microsoft Visio. In addition to the above indicated topics the participants need to master over 3000 terminologies in supply chain management.

As a Planner/Buyer your job is to identify what manufacturers or vendors that we work with need at a given time. You will then have a responsibility to find a solution for those needs, either by using your production process to deliver the solution or by finding an external source for raw materials or parts. Often Planner/Buyers are in charge of the entire manufacturing process... planning manufacturing procedures, producing or procuring materials and even supervising plant productivity and employee productivity. Often, they are responsible for finding the best sources or manufacturers for products, determining appropriate pricing, and making sure that inventory levels are sufficient to support customer orders.

In addition to being responsible for the full production flow, a Planner/Buyer is also in charge of purchasing/obtaining all necessary resources to support the company's manufacturing process. This includes purchasing machining equipment, material handling equipment, finished goods assembly lines, distribution capabilities, and even trucks and drivers if needed. The Planner/Buyer is the key link between suppliers and customers, and often acts as the connection between both. To be successful in this role you must understand the critical functions of both the Planner/Buyer and the supplier(s), possess excellent interpersonal skills, have excellent computer and analytical skills, and be able to multi-task.

The Planner/Buyer position is not the most glamorous, but it is an extremely important one. Planner/Buyers must understand the entire purchasing cycle, be able to multi-task, and understand the entire materials management process. If you are seeking a career as a Planner/Buyer, don't just go see an advertising recruitment agency, get your foot in the door at a manufacturer or vendor, and land on the spot where you meet the right people. Find your niche, be the Planner/Buyer that helps make sure the manufacturer goes 'green' and 'builds,' and get ready for a fulfilling, rewarding career!