Buyer/ Planner - Beds & Bodies

POSITION SUMMARY

The Buyer/Planner, you will be an integral part of our Supply Chain team. They will own the Beds & Bodies purchases and will be responsible for sourcing and procuring goods and/or services to support our fleet management operations. Their expertise in supplier management, negotiation, and procurement planning will ensure PTR has the right products in the right place at the right time to meet operational demand. This role requires strong analytical skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple departments, including Fleet, Operations, Sales, and Finance.

LOCATION

On-site in Fort Wayne, IN

COMPENSATION

This position offers a competitive compensation package, benchmarked to regional market standards. It consists of a base salary plus the opportunity for quarterly profit sharing after one year of employment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Category Management Own the Beds & Bodies category. Identify, evaluate, and manage supplier partners capable of manufacturing and delivering high quality flatbeds and service bodies and create/nurture mutually beneficial relationships. Negotiate contracts, lead times, and pricing with suppliers to secure favorable terms and conditions for PTR.
• Inventory Planning Track demand signals, inventory levels, and open orders. Proactively identify when to initiate/cancel purchase orders, transfer existing stock, or sell/scrap inventory to maintain optimal stock levels.
• Supplier Performance Monitor supplier performance and conduct monthly supplier evaluations to maintain high standards of quality and service. Resolve supplier-related issues and manage disputes to ensure smooth operations and supplier relationships.
• Reduce Cost and Increase Efficiency Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities through negotiation, process improvements, or alternative sourcing.
• Market & Industry Insight Stay current with industry trends, market conditions, and competitive pricing that could impact your category. Conduct ongoing market research to identify new suppliers, materials, or innovations that align with PTR's quality standards and operational requirements.
• Teamwork / Collaboration Collaborate with internal teams to understand procurement needs and develop comprehensive purchase plans. These teams include but are not limited to Fleet, Operations, Finance, IT, Sales, and Marketing.
• Documentation Develop and maintain process documentation, including but not limited to process maps, work instructions, and decision trees.
• Policy Compliance Ensure compliance with all company policies, financial controls, and ethical standards. Maintain accurate and timely records of all purchase activity and supplier communications

REQUIREMENTS

MUST HAVE

• 3+ years of experience as a Buyer, Planner, or Procurement Specialist within Supply Chain, Manufacturing, or related field.
• Proven ability to negotiate contracts and build/maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with high attention to detail
• Strong understanding of inventory management principles, terminology and practices
• Experience in setting/managing an inventory stocking strategy across a multi-location supply chain network.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while effectively managing multiple priorities.
• Willingness to travel up to 15% (vendor sites, tradeshows etc.)
• Proficiency with procurement, fleet management, or ERP systems.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel (lookups, sumifs, countifs, pivot tables, data analysis) and Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Access, SharePoint, OneNote, Word)
• Demonstrate analytical and problem-solving abilities with a continuous improvement mindset.

NICE TO HAVE

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or related field.
• Experience in the fleet rental, upfitting, or manufacturing industries