Buyer Planner

Acuity Inc. (NYSE: AYI) is a market-leading industrial technology company. We use technology to solve problems in spaces, light and more things to come. Through our two business segments, Acuity Brands Lighting (ABL) and Acuity Intelligent Spaces (AIS), we design, manufacture, and bring to market products and services that make a valuable difference in people’s lives.

We achieve growth through the development of innovative new products and services, including lighting, lighting controls, building management solutions, and an audio, video and control platform. We focus on customer outcomes and drive growth and productivity to increase market share and deliver superior returns. We look to aggressively deploy capital to grow the business and to enter attractive new verticals.

Acuity Inc. is based in Atlanta, Georgia, with operations across North America, Europe and Asia. The Company is powered by approximately 13,000 dedicated and talented associates. Visit us at www.acuityinc.com.  

Job Summary

Reporting to the Purchasing/Planning team, the Buyer Planner is responsible for planning requirements, ensuring supply and following up on orders with suppliers.

The Buyer Planner helps ensure the availability of the products and/or materials under their responsibility, while maintaining appropriate inventory levels and supporting delivery objectives. The role involves close collaboration with suppliers and various internal teams, including Customer Service, Sourcing, Accounts Payable and R&D.

The Buyer Planner contributes to ensuring the availability of the products and materials under their responsibility through proactive planning, rigorous supplier follow-up and effective communication with internal teams.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• Plan and ensure the supply of products and/or materials according to requirements, inventory levels and established parameters.
• Create, maintain and follow up on purchase orders with suppliers, including orders shipped directly to customers (drop-ship).
• Analyze the requirements and recommendations generated by the ERP/MRP and take the necessary actions.
• Follow up on order confirmations, promised dates and supplier delays.
• Identify supply risks and carry out the necessary follow-ups or escalations to minimize their impact.
• Prioritize orders according to operational needs and customer priorities.
• Keep relevant information up to date in the ERP and tracking tools.
• Proactively communicate risks, changes, and priorities to the relevant teams.
• Collaborate with internal teams to resolve discrepancies related to orders, deliveries, receipts or invoices.
• Maintain professional and effective communication with suppliers.

Recurring Responsibilities

• Analyze open orders, delays and upcoming requirements to identify risks and priorities.
• Participate in operational and procurement follow-up meetings when required.
• Monitor the performance indicators related to their portfolio.
• Adjust certain planning and procurement parameters in the ERP as needs evolve.
• Collaborate with the relevant teams to ensure alignment between customer needs, inventory and supplier schedules.

Related Tasks

• Participate in activities related to the introduction of new products or suppliers.
• Contribute to data accuracy in the ERP and planning tools.
• Participate in the continuous improvement of work processes and tools.
• Keep procedures related to their area of responsibility up to date.
• Provide coverage or support to other team members as operational needs require.
• Participate in various projects related to purchasing, planning or the supply chain.

Skills and Minimum Experience Required

Technical
•    Good understanding of procurement, planning and purchase order management processes.
•    Experience with an ERP/MRP system, ideally Infor SyteLine or equivalent.
•    Strong proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office.
•    Ability to analyze requirements, inventory levels, lead times and procurement data.

Qualifications
•    College diploma (DEC) in supply chain management, logistics, operations management, business administration or a related field; a bachelor's degree is an asset. An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience will be considered.
•    2 to 5 years of experience in purchasing, planning, procurement or a similar role, ideally in a manufacturing environment.
•    Experience in purchase order management, supplier follow-up, planning or inventory management.
•    Comfortable working in a multidisciplinary environment.
•    Bilingual French and English: To serve clients and external service providers across Canada and USA.

We value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regards to race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ethnicity or national origin, disability, pregnancy, religion, covered veteran status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Accommodation for Applicants with Disabilities: As an equal opportunity employer, Acuity Brands is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in its application process for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you have difficulty using our online system due to a disability and need an accommodation, you may contact us at (770) 922-9000, select option 4. Please clearly indicate what type of accommodation you are requesting and for what requisition.

Any unsolicited resumes sent to Acuity Inc. from a third party, such as an Agency recruiter, including unsolicited resumes sent to an Acuity Inc. mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Acuity Inc. employees, or to Acuity Inc. resume database will be considered Acuity Inc. property. Acuity Inc. will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.

Knowledge of French is required for positions permanently located in Quebec so incumbents can communicate with their colleagues and suppliers in Quebec as necessary. French-language training is offered to all incumbents in permanent positions in Quebec who do not have a good knowledge of French.

The requirement for another language other than French is necessary for this position in order to communicate with clients, partners, and colleagues who are predominantly located outside of Quebec. The company has very few clients in Quebec and therefore must constantly use another language to communicate outside of Quebec

Acuity Inc. will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. This includes any Agency that is an approved/engaged vendor but does not have the appropriate approvals to be engaged on a search.