Supply Chain Planner/Buyer

Bring your creativity and fresh thinking to an iconic brand owned by Onex ($31B assets) that has been trusted for its high quality and innovation since 1952.

For over 70 years, Walter Surface Technologies has been a world leader in surface treatment technologies providing high performance abrasives, tools, power tools, chemical solutions and welding process solutions specifically designed for the metalworking industry.

Our core philosophy is focused on helping customers work better and provide "only the best" - the best technology, the best products, the best performance, the best safety, and the best durability - all designed to increase their productivity and profitability.

Walter Surface Technology is rapidly growing and is seeking a Supply Chain Planner / Buyer.

Job Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented and execution-focused supply chain professional to join our Supply Chain team as a Supply Chain Planner / Buyer.

In this role, you will leverage data and sound judgment to drive decisions. You will ensure the timely and cost-effective replenishment of inventory and minimise backorders by collaborating with internal teams and external partners.

You will navigate the complexities of managing material movement across continents with long lead times. Additionally, you will play a pivotal role in our transformation journey as we transition supply chain planning to Logility (a 'Gartner' Magic Quadrant best-of-breed software).

Key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role will include fill rates and vendor On-Time In-Full (OTIF) metrics.

Responsibilities

Replenishment

• Collaborate with demand and inventory planners to review and adjust suggested order quantities as necessary.
• Issue purchase orders in alignment with replenishment schedules (or as needed) to minimize backorders.
• Build optimal replenishment loads to balance logistics costs and working capital investment.
• Maintain accurate portfolio master data and ensure timely updates in the ERP system to minimize disruptions in material flow.
• Track and trace purchase orders, collaborating with suppliers and logistics partners to resolve issues.

External Collaboration

• Build strong vendor relationships by sharing rolling 12-month forecasts to minimize disruptions and optimise working capital.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs), provide performance feedback, and collaborate on long-term improvements.
• Address quality concerns, late deliveries, or supply disruptions, and develop recovery plans for backorders.
• Ensure order acknowledgments, delivery confirmations, and maintain necessary vendor documentation.
• Collaborate with freight forwarders and customs brokers to ensure smooth logistics operations and compliance with import / export regulations.

Internal Collaboration

• Drive product commercialization and strategic sourcing activities with the R&D team.
• Collaborate with the CSR team to resolve order entry and fulfillment exceptions.
• Work closely with warehousing and logistics teams to minimize inbound and outbound disruptions.
• Address obsolescence risks, excess inventory, or non-moving stock in collaboration with internal teams.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements within supply management and collaborate with teams to implement best practices.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to mine data and perform basic analyses using Excel, Planning / ERP systems, and other tools.
• Strong vendor management skills to build relationships and collaborate on performance improvements.
• Experience with supply chain planning software such as Logility and / or other ERP systems to manage replenishment.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external partners, presenting data and resolving issues.
• Ability to work both independently and in cross-functional teams while adapting to changing priorities and demands.
• Problem-solving mindset to address supply chain challenges, such as shortages, delays, and disruptions, with a focus on balance and optimization
• Willingness to continuously learn and adopt new tools, processes, and best practices as part of the supply chain transformation.

Experience and Knowledge

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business, Data Analytics, or a related field. Internships or relevant experience (2-3 years) in supply chain operations preferred.
• Demonstrated ability in managing internal and external relationships
• Demonstrated ability in planning and execution of replenishment responsibilities including a basic familiarity with demand planning and inventory planning
• Hands-on experience working with ERP and other systems, preferably in a supply chain context
• Ability to analyse large datasets and derive actionable insights using data from ERP systems, data warehouses, or other sources.
2 days ago