Planner/Buyer
First seen by Alion on Sep 27, 2026.
Overview
About ERMCO
Electric Research and Manufacturing Cooperative, Inc. (ERMCO) is the leading manufacturer of distribution transformers and engineered electrical solutions, serving electric utilities, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and industrial customers across North America. Headquartered in Dyersburg, Tenn., ERMCO delivers reliable, high-quality products that power homes, businesses, and communities across North America.
With our commitment to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, ERMCO is at the forefront of supporting grid modernization and energy transition. Our vertically integrated operations, customer-focused culture, and investment in people and technology make ERMCO the Most Valued Partner for delivering resilient, sustainable power infrastructure for the future.
Job Summary The Planner/Buyer is responsible for planning, sourcing, and procuring materials, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, and services required to support production and operational objectives. This role reviews purchase requisitions, production schedules, and MRP reports to ensure material availability and maintain optimal inventory levels. The Planner/Buyer collaborates closely with suppliers to obtain pricing, availability, and delivery information, while coordinating purchasing activities to ensure the timely and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services that meet business requirements. Through effective planning and supplier management, this position helps support production continuity, inventory accuracy, and overall supply chain performance.
This role will be onsite in Dyersburg, TN. Relocation Assistance is available.
Responsibilities
- Review and approve supplier invoices to ensure accuracy and timely payment processing.Coordinate and expedite deliveries to minimize supply disruptions and ensure materials and services are available to meet production and operational requirements.
- Review production schedules, material requirements planning (MRP) reports, and purchase requisitions to ensure the timely availability of materials and services needed to support operational demands.
- Partner with suppliers to obtain pricing, lead times, product availability, and other critical procurement information to support purchasing decisions.
- Evaluate and select products and suppliers based on quality, cost, reliability, and overall value to the organization.
- Prepare and process purchase orders, requests for quotation (RFQs), and bid requests in accordance with company policies and procurement requirements.
- Develop and execute inventory plans that support production schedules while maintaining targeted inventory and working capital objectives.
- Source production components and services from approved suppliers while building and maintaining strong supplier relationships to support business continuity and performance.
- Review supplier quotations and proposals and negotiate pricing, terms, and agreements within established budgetary guidelines and authorization limits.
- Maintain accurate procurement and inventory records, including purchasing activity, supplier performance, costs, delivery metrics, and inventory levels.
- Collaborate with Quality, Operations, and suppliers to investigate and resolve issues related to defective materials, service concerns, or delivery discrepancies and implement corrective actions as needed.
- Monitor and contribute to department key performance indicators (KPIs), supporting continuous improvement initiatives that enhance supply chain performance, cost efficiency, and service levels.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in purchasing, procurement, materials management, supply chain, or a related role; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- Strong understanding of purchasing principles, inventory management, material planning, and supplier relationship management.
- Experience utilizing MRP/ERP systems to support planning, procurement, and inventory control activities.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze data, manage priorities, and make sound business decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Strong negotiation, problem-solving, and communication skills with the ability to build effective relationships across all levels of the organization and with external suppliers.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and support continuous improvement initiatives while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Let’s Build the Future Together
At ERMCO, your ideas matter, your growth is supported, and your impact is real. Whether you’re building on early career experience or launching your professional journey, you’ll have the opportunity to learn, contribute, and grow in a manufacturing environment that values innovation and collaboration.
Join ERMCO and TRANSFORM your career!