We are looking for a motivated Buyer to join our team in Duluth, Minnesota, on a long-term contract basis. In this role, you will manage procurement activities to ensure the seamless acquisition and delivery of production parts while maintaining strong relationships with suppliers. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in supply chain operations, strategic sourcing, and inventory planning to support efficient production processes.<br><br>Responsibilities:<br>• Oversee the procurement of production parts by managing purchase orders, requisitions, and supplier communications.<br>• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to ensure timely delivery of components and resolve part shortages.<br>• Coordinate transportation and logistics with suppliers and the transportation department to optimize delivery methods and costs.<br>• Monitor supplier performance and create purchasing metrics to track progress and identify areas for improvement.<br>• Address and resolve non-conforming part issues in collaboration with the quality team and external suppliers.<br>• Support technical reviews with suppliers and ensure compliance with design changes and new component releases.<br>• Analyze production schedules to ensure accurate and timely placement of purchase orders.<br>• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and enterprise excellence projects to enhance procurement processes.<br>• Investigate and propose cost-saving opportunities while driving informed decision-making through cross-functional collaboration.<br>• Provide updates on parts availability and potential supply chain risks to leadership and stakeholders.
<p><strong>Senior Production Materials Planner</strong></p><p><strong>Department:</strong> Supply Chain</p><p><strong>Location:</strong> Duluth, MN - Fully Onsite</p><p><strong>Contract: </strong>15+ months</p><p><strong>Position Summary</strong></p><p>A local Duluth company is in search of a Senior Production Materials Planner to join their team on a long term contract. The Senior Production Materials Planner plays a key role in keeping production lines running smoothly by making sure the right materials are in the right place at the right time. This position bridges warehouse operations and production planning—overseeing inventory, coordinating with suppliers, and ensuring materials are delivered on schedule to support aircraft production.</p><p>Ideal candidates will have strong warehouse, inventory control, or logistics experience and enjoy working in a fast-paced, team-oriented manufacturing environment.</p><p><strong>Essential Duties and Responsibilities</strong></p><ul><li>Oversee daily material flow between the warehouse and production floor to ensure smooth operations.</li><li>Review production schedules and plan material deliveries to meet manufacturing needs.</li><li>Track incoming shipments and work with suppliers to resolve late or incorrect deliveries.</li><li>Maintain accurate inventory records and perform regular cycle counts and physical inventories.</li><li>Monitor inventory levels and reorder materials as needed to prevent shortages or overstock.</li><li>Use ERP or MRP systems to update material usage, transactions, and stock levels.</li><li>Collaborate closely with warehouse staff, production leads, and buyers to align materials with production schedules.</li><li>Help identify and correct material issues that could delay production.</li><li>Support process improvements in inventory handling, storage, and material flow.</li><li>Assist with warehouse organization, labeling, and layout improvements to improve efficiency and accuracy.</li><li>Prepare basic reports on material status, supplier performance, and inventory trends.</li><li>Follow all safety and quality standards for handling, storing, and moving materials.</li></ul>