Senior Buyer Planner - Structural Heart

About the role

Abbott's Structural Heart division, located in the Coyol Free Zone in Costa Rica, is looking for a Senior Buyer Planner. The role covers production planning for product lines requiring a higher level of planning, drives continuous improvement, builds manufacturing build plans for existing and new products, and supports procurement of materials and supplies used in manufacturing.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the local Sales & Operations Planning process, analysing forecasts and data from demand and supply planning, and following up on attainment, service levels, inventory health and backorders.
• Plan and schedule deliveries to optimise inventory in line with production schedules and business needs, working with forecasting, planning, commodity and shipping/receiving teams.
• Review purchase requisitions, check vendor prices, availability and delivery schedules, and review quotes for accuracy and competitiveness.
• Maintain clear, documented records of purchasing and planning procedures, and resolve inventory, warehouse and receiving inspection issues with the inventory management team.
• Manage excess, obsolete and expiring inventory monthly, and take full responsibility for backorders when they occur.
• Keep inventory levels aligned with forecasts and service level objectives, balanced against Days Inventory On Hand goals, and report production plan variances to Finance and other stakeholders.
• Support new product introductions to meet launch dates and minimise phase-out obsolescence.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, science or a closely related discipline, or equivalent technical qualification.
• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in purchasing/commodity management, including 3 years in that field.
• Ability to work in a matrixed, geographically diverse environment and to travel about 10%, including internationally.
• Strong verbal and written communication, multitasking, organisation and attention to detail.
• Advanced command of English.

Preferred qualifications

• 3+ years in a highly regulated environment.
• Experience in a cross-division business unit model.
• Project management skills and APICS or similar planning/procurement certification.