Buyer/Planner I

 API International is a family business that was established in Portland, Oregon in 1979. We are a manufacturer and engineering solutions provider that specializes in flanges, expansion joints, valves, other pipe fittings, and custom-fabricated parts for the Agriculture, Exhaust, HVAC, and Water Works markets. At API International, we offer a generous benefit package including:

• Employer-paid health, vision, dental insurance, and long-term disability.
  • Full coverage of the base plan premium on the first day of the month following 60 days of employment. Spouse and family eligible for 100% coverage on the base plan premium after one year.
• 80 hours of PTO and 152 hours after the first year (prorated).
• 8 paid holidays (including your birthday).
• 401k with a 4% company match.
• Voluntary Benefits.
  • FSA and life insurance.
• Opportunities for advancement within the company.

The Buyer/Planner I position supports API by managing inventory with what is on-hand, in-transit, and assisting in forecasting, depending on seasonality. Responsible for planning and purchasing inventory to support customers’ needs. This position will manage select product lines to ensure on-time delivery at competitive pricing while managing inventory levels to prevent shortages and maximize turns. This position will also perform administrative duties in support of the Logistics Department.

A typical day:

• Monitor inventory levels of assigned stocking lines and identify purchasing needs.
• Plan and review purchase orders for assigned stocking lines.
• Review SSR’s of assigned product OEM lines for nonstock and consignment parts daily, weekly, or monthly and perform detailed analysis of item performance.
• Ensure timely deliveries from suppliers.
• Request quotes and negotiate pricing.
• Maintain and update internal databases. 
• Review open POs and expedite as needed.
• Review preliminary invoices and containers for accuracy and approval back to suppliers for import purchases
• Logistics Administration to include, but not limited to: Create and coordinate import entry summary folder and contents, drop purchase orders from masters per shipment, review HTS, submit customs documentation to customs broker, route vendor invoice for entry, create and ensure accuracy of Incoming Receipts folder and all the contents within. 
• Participate in proactive team efforts to achieve departmental and company goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate requires the following:

• 3 years of moderate to advanced Excel skills, including VLOOKUP, pivot tables, if functions, etc. 
• Organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to negotiate and manage pricing for optimum margin.
• The ability to confront and overcome barriers constructively and quickly.
• Communications: Professional oral and written communications required.
• Computer Skills: MS Office, Outlook, Sage 100, Crystal Reports, ERP, and CRM.

 We highly prefer the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, or operations management.