Title: Buyer Planner Sr.
Job Title: Senior Buyer Planner
Location: Heredia, Costa Rica
POSITION OBJECTIVE
Responsible for leading and executing material planning, purchasing, and strategic sourcing processes to ensure operational continuity, compliance with production plans, cost efficiency, and inventory optimization at Bourns Costa Rica. Ensures an appropriate balance between demand, capacity, inventory levels, and lead times, while maintaining effective and long-term relationships with local and international suppliers in compliance with organizational quality, cost, and service standards.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Analyze material requirements using SAP and planning tools to ensure timely availability of components and raw materials.
• Execute and follow up on domestic and international purchase orders aligned with the master production plan.
• Manage inventory levels, coverage, excess & obsolete (E&O), and lead times to maintain healthy inventories and minimize operational risks.
• Coordinate with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Warehouse teams regarding critical material supply and operational priorities.
• Manage strategic relationships with suppliers, evaluating performance in cost, quality, delivery, and responsiveness.
• Actively participate in price negotiations, commercial terms, and cost reduction strategies.
• Monitor international shipments and coordinate import/export logistics when required.
• Analyze demand variations, forecast accuracy, and consumption patterns to develop mitigation plans for supply risks.
• Ensure compliance with corporate policies, internal procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Maintain updated SAP data related to purchase orders, planning parameters, and master data.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on process optimization, inventory reduction, and service level improvement.
• Support internal and external audits related to Supply Chain, ISO 9001, and/or IATF 16949.
• Provide support and technical training to junior roles in the area when required.
• Maintain effective communication with internal customers and external suppliers to ensure operational continuity.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in Buyer Planner, Material Planner, or similar Supply Chain roles within medical, electronics, or advanced manufacturing industries.
• Advanced knowledge of SAP (MRP, Purchasing, Inventory Management).
• Intermediate to advanced English level.
• Knowledge of demand planning, inventory control, and supply chain analysis.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.
• Desirable knowledge of ISO 9001 and/or IATF 16949 standards.
• Experience in managing international suppliers and logistics processes.
EDUCATION
• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, Logistics, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in Buyer Planner, Material Planner, or related Supply Chain roles.
ADDITIONAL TRAINING
• Advanced SAP knowledge (MRP, Purchasing, Inventory Management).
• English level B2.
• Knowledge of demand planning, inventory control, and supply chain analytics.
• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills.
• Desirable knowledge of ISO 9001 and/or IATF 16949.
• Experience with international suppliers and logistics processes.