Buyer / Planner
Location: Houston, TX (Onsite)
Industry: Advanced Manufacturing / Industrial Manufacturing
We are seeking a hands-on Buyer / Planner to support daily purchasing, materials coordination, and production planning activities within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This is a highly operational role that works closely with production, warehouse, and supply chain teams to ensure materials availability, scheduling alignment, and smooth manufacturing flow.
We are looking for someone who thrives in a manufacturing environment that requires practical problem-solving, strong communication, and the ability to work effectively within hybrid ERP/manual planning systems. The ideal candidate will be able to step in quickly, operate independently, and support both procurement execution and production scheduling activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage purchasing and procurement activities to support production schedules and operational demands
- Create, maintain, and adjust production and materials schedules in a hybrid ERP/manual planning environment
- Process and manage purchase orders, supplier communications, and delivery timelines
- Monitor inventory levels, material shortages, and supplier performance to ensure continuity of production
- Coordinate closely with production, warehouse, and operations teams to validate material availability and scheduling priorities
- Analyze forecasts, production schedules, and inventory data to determine purchasing requirements
- Resolve supply chain and scheduling issues in real time within a fast-moving manufacturing environment
- Maintain accurate ERP and Excel-based planning data and procurement records
- Support continuous improvement efforts related to purchasing, scheduling, and materials flow
- Build strong working relationships with suppliers and internal cross-functional teams
Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience in purchasing, planning, buyer/planner, materials planning, or supply chain roles within manufacturing environments
- Strong understanding of procurement, inventory control, and production scheduling
- Experience operating in Excel-heavy and/or hybrid ERP/manual planning environments
- Ability to manage schedules and material priorities in high-mix manufacturing operations
- Hands-on manufacturing experience with strong floor communication and operational coordination skills
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel
- Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills
- Ability to work onsite full-time in Houston, TX
Preferred Background
- High-mix / low-volume manufacturing experience
- Experience supporting production scheduling directly
- Background in industrial, energy, oil & gas, electrical, or related manufacturing environments
- Experience working in less automated manufacturing operations where manual planning and schedule adjustments are required
What We’re Looking For
- Hands-on and operationally minded
- Comfortable working in fast-paced manufacturing environments
- Able to troubleshoot issues independently and adjust priorities quickly
- Strong communicator who collaborates well across production and supply chain teams
- Comfortable operating without highly automated systems
- Self-directed with a “plug-and-play” mindset
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive compensation package based on experience
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
- Paid time off and holidays
- 401(k) and additional company benefits
- Opportunity to join a stable and growing manufacturing organization with strong operational visibility
About Blue Signal:
Blue Signal is an award-winning, executive search firm specializing in various specialties. Our recruiters have a proven track record of placing top-tier talent across industry verticals, with deep expertise in numerous professional services. Learn more at bit.ly/46Gs4yS