Senior Planner/Buyer, Contract Manufacturing - Oak Brook - Blistex

Description

Senior Planner/Buyer, Contract Manufacturing

The Senior Planner/Buyer, Contract Manufacturing is appointed to their position by the Supervisor, Contract Manufacturing Supply Chain. The Senior Planner/Buyer, Contract Manufacturing is a salaried, exempt position. The Senior Planner/Buyer, Contract Manufacturing is responsible for managing the end-to-end supply chain activities for contract manufactured products. This role ensures optimal inventory levels, efficient production planning, and timely product availability while maintaining strong supplier partnerships and driving continuous improvement across cost, quality, and service. The position collaborates cross-functionally with Marketing, Sales, Quality, R&D, Regulatory, and Distribution teams to support new product introductions, maintain production schedules, and uphold company standards for performance and compliance.

Essential Job Functions

• Analyze inventory levels for contract manufactured finished goods, work-in-process (WIP), and related primary and secondary packaging materials.
• Create and manage purchase orders in alignment with Demand and MRP Plans to ensure product availability while minimizing excess and obsolescence risk.
• Maintain and update the Master Production Schedule for designated contract manufactured items
• Build and strengthen partnerships with designated contract manufacturers, ensuring accountability for performance, quality, and service excellence.
• Monitor supplier performance, lead times, backorders, investigations, and delivery commitments, proactively addressing risks to prevent or minimize out-of-stock situations.
• Review pricing updates and purchase price variances to identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement.
• Plan and coordinate component shipments to contract manufacturers, ensuring accurate documentation and alignment with distribution center operations.
• Create and manage Bills of Material (BOMs) for all assigned contract manufacturers, ensuring proper routing and approval within MasterControl.
• Maintain organized and up-to-date records of pricing, supplier data, and contracts to enable timely and accurate access to information.
• Review and approve invoices in accordance with company policies and financial controls.
• Prepare and distribute monthly forecast updates to key stakeholders as required.
• Collaborate with Quality, R&D, and Regulatory teams to plan and execute line trials for new materials or validate new projects as assigned.
• Partner with Marketing and cross-functional teams to support new product innovations, ensuring timely commercialization and seamless supply chain readiness for product launches.

Additional Responsibilities

• Performs and assumes other duties and responsibilities, as may be required by the Supervisor, Contract Manufacturing Supply Chain.
• Keep the Supervisor, Contract Manufacturing Supply Chain duly informed of all activities, including significant problems and achievements.
• Supports cGMP, the Winner's Circle, and the Blistex Quality System.

Required Education, Experience and Skills

• A bachelor's degree in Operations or Supply Chain Management, or related discipline; or equivalent training and experience is required; MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 5+ years of progressive experience in supply chain planning, procurement, or production management, with a strong focus on contract manufacturing operations.
• Proven track record managing third-party or outsourced manufacturing relationships, including planning, procurement, and performance management.
• Experience within consumer packaged goods (CPG), food, pharmaceutical, or other regulated manufacturing industries preferred.
• Strong understanding of MRP, Demand Planning, and inventory management principles.
• Proven ability to manage and negotiate with contract manufacturers and suppliers to achieve business objectives.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency in ERP systems; experience with SAP S/4HANA and SAP IBP is highly desirable.
• APICS CSCP certification (or equivalent) is a plus.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and influence without authority.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Familiarity with quality and regulatory standards related to contract manufacturing preferred.
• Good written and oral communication skills to make effective presentations, as required.
• Proven skill in identifying issues, evaluating solutions, and implementing appropriate corrective actions within established guidelines.
• Demonstrates discretion and maintains strict confidentiality when handling sensitive company and supplier information.
• Adaptable and willing to take on additional responsibilities as needed to support team and organizational objectives.
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, collaborates as a team player, accepts constructive feedback, and adheres to company policies.
• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally as needed to support contract manufacturers, supplier audits, or cross-functional initiatives.

Diverse Experiences

Blistex is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Blistex is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age or any other legally protected status.

Career Growth

We're continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become the best in our industry. You will find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship, career opportunities and development opportunities to help you become a better professional and/or leader.

Compensation

The base pay for this position ranges from $86,000 - $105,000. Pay is based on several factors including job related knowledge, skills and experience. The job role is eligible for a discretionary bonus that may be provided as part of a total compensation package.

Benefits

As part of the total compensation package a full range of benefits are offered including medical coverage, insurance, and financial benefits.