Buyer / Planner

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 ResponsibilitiesManage purchasing and procurement activities to support production schedules and operational demandsCreate, maintain, and adjust production and materials schedules in a hybrid ERP/manual planning environmentProcess and manage purchase orders, supplier communications, and delivery timelinesMonitor inventory levels, material shortages, and supplier performance to ensure continuity of productionCoordinate closely with production, warehouse, and operations teams to validate material availability and scheduling prioritiesAnalyze forecasts, production schedules, and inventory data to determine purchasing requirementsResolve supply chain and scheduling issues in real time within a fast-moving manufacturing environmentMaintain accurate ERP and Excel-based planning data and procurement recordsSupport continuous improvement efforts related to purchasing, scheduling, and materials flowBuild strong working relationships with suppliers and internal cross-functional teams Qualifications3+ years of experience in purchasing, planning, buyer/planner, materials planning, or supply chain roles within manufacturing environmentsStrong understanding of procurement, inventory control, and production schedulingExperience operating in Excel-heavy and/or hybrid ERP/manual planning environmentsAbility to manage schedules and material priorities in high-mix manufacturing operationsHands-on manufacturing experience with strong floor communication and operational coordination skillsExperience with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft ExcelStrong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skillsAbility to work onsite full-time in Houston, TX Preferred BackgroundHigh-mix / low-volume manufacturing experienceExperience supporting production scheduling directlyBackground in industrial, energy, oil & gas, electrical, or related manufacturing environmentsExperience working in less automated manufacturing operations where manual planning and schedule adjustments are required What We're Looking ForHands-on and operationally mindedComfortable working in fast-paced manufacturing environmentsAble to troubleshoot issues independently and adjust priorities quicklyStrong communicator who collaborates well across production and supply chain teamsComfortable operating without highly automated systemsSelf-directed with a "plug-and-play" mindset Compensation & BenefitsCompetitive compensation package based on experienceMedical, dental, vision, and life insurancePaid time off and holidays401(k) and additional company benefitsOpportunity 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