Buyer/Planner

We’re Watts. Together, we’re reimagining the future of water.

We feel proud every day about what we do. We're all part of the same crucial mission, no matter what function we support -- it's to provide safe, clean water for the world, and to protect our planet's most valuable resource.

What we do:

For 150 years, Watts has built best-in-class products that are trusted by customers in residential and commercial settings across the world. We are at the forefront of innovation, working with cutting-edge technology to provide smart and connected, sustainable water solutions for the future. Watts is a leading brand with a quality reputation — and we have a dynamic future ahead.​

Proactively find solutions to material shortages by pursuing alternatives ensuring current procurement methods, therefore maintaining a constant supply of material to the value stream while optimizing inventory levels. Review material reports (shortage, MRP, kanban, etc) to ensure that the execution of all purchase orders are completed in a timely manner and pulled in according to build rate and forecast. Contact, communicate, negotiate, etc with supply chain and operations daily to create an awareness of all material needs and issues pertaining to open orders. Take on additional duties which require an individual to exercise a greater degree of independent judgment and analysis.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Procures and plans all materials, products, and services within assigned categories.
• Ensure appropriate inventory levels are on hand so manufacturing can produce as planned
• Ability to create spreadsheets as required.  
• Works with Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, and other internal resources to identify suppliers who can provide products that meet quality standards and commercial requirements. 
• Maintains open communication and a strong functional relationship with all suppliers through verbal and written communications.
• For assigned area, communicates and escalates needs related to part shortages or concerns needed to satisfy customers on time shipments
• Maintains knowledge of site processes, ERP system, techniques, business strategy, new products, tools, equipment, etc
• Works closely with Sourcing and other Planner/Buyers to develop supplier agreements which enhance the company initiatives and goals while creating a more robust business partnership.
• Monitors and updates all purchase orders to ensure that all pricing, delivery dates, QTY’s, etc are correct and current.
• Works with Scheduling to ensure product is on the shelf and ready for production when it is needed
• Works with Accounting and Receiving regarding all pricing, delivery and receipts issues.  Follow through Participate and take actions root cause action items. Report as required.
• Maintains the integrity of the material flow and execute at a high level. An expectation of 100% material availability is the standard.
• If applicable, works with Materials and Sourcing team to setup and maintain the Kanban Card systems for Material releasing to suppliers and material flow to point of use.
• Additional responsibilities and objective may be added as needed based on business and area needs.
• Maintain inventory charts and KPI’s; daily review cells.
• Forecasting

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Five + years’ experience in material purchasing within a lean manufacturing environment
• CPM or APICS membership preferred

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Time management: the ability to organize and manage multiple priorities
• Strong customer service skills and orientation
• Excellent interpersonal, written and communication skills
• Strong team player
• Computer proficiency, excel, word, power point
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing desired
• Ability to communicate in English
• Detail oriented, organized, analytical and self-motivated
• Ability to Travel: 10%
• Must be authorized to work in the US without sponsorship now or in the future

MANAGEMENT:

This position has no direct reports. 

*PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing duties of the job, employee is required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to handle objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. Employee will occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

*WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work in office environment or Work in a manufacturing/shop floor environment
• May occasionally be required to perform job duties outside the typical office setting.
• Noise level is minimal with intervals of spikes.
• Required to wear safety glasses and utilize other safety equipment as required while present on the shop floor.

*As required by the Americans Disabilities Act (ADA)

Watts in it for you:

Please note that the following benefits apply only to permanent roles and do not apply to internship roles.

• Competitive compensation based on your skills, qualifications and experience
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits
• Family building benefits, including paid maternity/paternity leave
• 10 paid holidays and Paid Time Off
• Continued professional development opportunities and educational reimbursement
• Additional perks such as fitness reimbursements and employee discount programs
• Learn more about our benefit offerings here: https://tapintowattsbenefits.com/

How we work:

At Watts, our culture is team-oriented and supportive. Employees here genuinely care about the quality of their work, and about each other. Our people are the heart of who we are and contribute to our longevity and continued success.

And this is a place where you can have a big career. No matter your role, there are opportunities for learning and development, and your daily contributions make a meaningful impact on the lives of people who use our products and on the future of water.

Watts is committed to equal employment opportunity. We follow a policy of administering all employment decisions and personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, genetic disposition or carrier status, marital status, military or veteran status, minorities, or any other category protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Consistent with the obligations of state and federal law, Watts will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Any employee who needs a reasonable accommodation should contact Human Resources.