Buyer Planner

Job Title: Buyer Planner

Location: Tustin, CA

Company: ClearPath Medical

Job Type: Full-Time

About ClearPath Medical:

ClearPath Medical is a leading contract manufacturer specializing in the design and manufacture of custom medical cable assemblies. We deliver high-quality, compliant solutions to the medical device industry. Located in Tustin, CA, we pride ourselves on innovation, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction in a highly regulated environment.

Job Summary:

ClearPath Medical is seeking a skilled Buyer Planner with at least five years of experience to manage procurement, production planning, and inventory for our custom medical cable assemblies. This role will ensure seamless material flow, cost efficiency, and compliance with FDA and ISO 13485 standards, contributing to the company's operational success and growth in the medical device industry.

Key Responsibilities:

• Procurement & Supply Chain: Source and procure materials, negotiate supplier contracts, and manage vendor relationships to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and on-time delivery (95% on-time delivery rate).
• Production Planning: Develop and manage production schedules to meet customer deadlines (95% schedule adherence) and optimize inventory levels (612 inventory turns annually).
• Inventory Management: Monitor and reconcile inventory, minimizing shortages, obsolescence, and scrap while maintaining accurate records in ERP/MRP systems.
• Compliance: Ensure all procurement and production activities comply with FDA and ISO 13485 requirements, maintaining audit-ready documentation and traceability (100% compliance).
• Cost Reduction: Implement cost-saving initiatives (510% annual savings) through supplier negotiations, lean practices, and process optimization.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with engineering, quality assurance, and sales teams to align material availability with design changes (e.g., ECOs) and customer demands.
• Performance Monitoring: Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs), including supplier quality rate (98%), material shortage incidents ( 2 per month), and ECO execution time (5 days).
  
  
  

Skills and Qualifications:

• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (e.g., QT9) for procurement, inventory, and production planning.
• Knowledge of supply chain management, production scheduling, and inventory control.
• Familiarity with FDA and ISO 13485 regulations for medical device manufacturing.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for cost analysis and reporting; familiarity with lean principles is a plus.
  
• Soft Skills:
• Strong communication and negotiation skills to manage suppliers and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Problem-solving and adaptability to handle supply chain challenges in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail is required to ensure accurate inventory records and regulatory compliance.
  
• Education & Experience:
• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business administration, operations management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement, production planning, or supply chain management, preferably in medical device manufacturing or a regulated industry.
• Certifications such as APICS CPIM, CSCP, or Lean/Six Sigma Green Belt preferred.
  
  
  

Tools and Software:

• ERP/MRP platforms: QT9
• Communication/collaboration tools: Microsoft Teams, Outlook.
• Inventory and planning systems: QT9 (QMS).
• Other: Microsoft Excel (advanced), barcode scanners, and document management systems (e.g., SharePoint).
  
  
  

Challenges:

• Managing supplier delays or quality issues that risk production schedules.
• Ensuring compliance with stringent FDA and ISO 13485 regulations during audits or ECOs.
• Resolving cross-functional misalignments, such as conflicting priorities between sales and production.
• Maintaining data accuracy in ERP/MRP systems to avoid inventory or forecasting errors.
  
  
  

Decision-Making Authority:

• Approvals: Full authority to approve routine purchase orders (up to a defined threshold), production schedules, and inventory adjustments within guidelines.
• Contracts: Negotiates standard supplier contracts; escalates high-value or strategic contracts to operations leadership.
• Autonomy: High autonomy in day-to-day procurement and planning activities, with escalation for major budget, strategic, or regulatory decisions.
  
  
  

Contribution to Organizational Goals:

• Business Outcomes: Drives on-time delivery (95%), cost savings (510%), and operational efficiency, enhancing profitability and competitiveness.
• Cross-Functional Success: Aligns procurement and production with engineering, quality, and sales to support product innovation and meet customer commitments.
• Customer Satisfaction and Growth: Ensures high-quality, timely deliveries, fosters client trust, and drives business expansion.
• Compliance: Maintains 100% audit readiness, mitigating regulatory risks and ensuring market access.
  
  
  

Pay Range:

The annual salary range is $75,000 to $85,000, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and familiarity with medical device manufacturing.

Why Join ClearPath Medical?

Join a dynamic team dedicated to delivering innovative medical cable assemblies that improve patient outcomes. As a Senior Buyer Planner, you'll play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence, leading a talented team, and contributing to our growth in the medical device industry.