Sr. Buyer/Planner

The Senior Buyer-Planner is responsible for all purchasing and materials planning activities across the company using NetSuite ERP. This highly visible role works cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance, and Executive leadership to ensure on-time availability of materials and services while maintaining compliance, cost control, and supply-chain continuity.  This is a critical, individual-contributor role with full cradle-to-grave ownership of procurement and planning activities. There is no team to manage – this position is 100% hands-on execution. 

(AssetWatch uses turnkey CM’s to have its products produced, so except for engineering development work, this role generally doesn’t include buying electronic components.  Procurements do include issuing and maintaining PO’s for our CM’s, MRO supplies, services including IoT cellular data and 3PL, test and inspection equipment, packaging materials, facilities, company vehicles and more.) 

This role is Remote located in the United States with some travel to suppliers or AssetWatch HQ. 

Procurement (Cradle-to-Grave Ownership) 

• Execute the entire procurement lifecycle in NetSuite: quoting, supplier down-select, PR/PO creation, approvals, issuance, delivery tracking, receiving, invoice approval, and payment. 

• Source and obtain competitive bids/quotes for materials, equipment, services, prototypes, and capital items. 

• Perform competitive analysis and make vendor selection recommendations when required. 

• Ensure every PO line is properly coded (GL/account, project, class, etc.) and follows the company approval matrix. 

• Issue POs, obtain supplier acknowledgements, and proactively follow up to ensure on-time delivery. 

• Receive goods into NetSuite and resolve receiving/invoice discrepancies. 

• Drive timely invoice approval and payment per supplier terms. 

• Generate and distribute monthly Open PO Commitments report (planned receipts and cash flow impact). 

• Identify, escalate, and mitigate supply risks to the Director of Supply Chain. 

• Manage supplier returns (RMAs) for non-conforming material. 

• Collaborate with our import consultant to optimize freight, duties, and INCO terms on international purchases. 

• Onboard new suppliers into NetSuite 

• Maintain the Approved Supplier List (ASL). 

Materials Planning 

• Actively monitor NetSuite planning workbenches, exception reports, and MRP outputs. 

• Take immediate procurement or expediting actions to prevent stock-outs. 

• Maintain accurate planning parameters (lead times, safety stock, min/multiple order quantities, preferred suppliers, etc.). 

• Assist in setting up new items and BOMs in NetSuite as needed. 

Required Skills & Experience 

• 5+ years of hands-on Buyer-Planner experience in a small to mid-sized company (fast-paced environment essential). 

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Accounting, or related field strongly preferred. 

• Advanced, daily-user experience with NetSuite ERP in both Procurement and Planning modules. 

• Proven end-to-end procurement ownership (quote → PO → receipt → payment). 

• Strong negotiation skills and a track record of driving cost reduction and favorable terms. 

• Demonstrated ability to source and qualify new suppliers. 

• Deep understanding of logistics, INCO terms, freight forwarding, duties, and tariff mitigation. 

• Exceptional prioritization and time-management skills in a dynamic environment. 

• Detail-oriented with strong process discipline and problem-solving abilities. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication – comfortable presenting to leadership and dealing directly with suppliers. 

• Proficient in Excel for analysis and reporting. 

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