Job Type
Full-time
Description
Are you ready to shape a rewarding career in procurement?
Here at General Plastics, we are looking for a passionate and talented professional who brings energy, intelligence, and integrity to our Purchasing team as a Buyer/Planner II.
We want someone eager to make a meaningful impact by driving excellence in sourcing and supplier management.
Plus, we are Tacoma's BEST KEPT SECRET , with one of the best benefits packages in town.
Who We are
General Plastics Manufacturing Company specializes in the formulation of polyurethane foams and the production of build-to-print composite parts, offering custom solutions for industries such as aerospace, defense, and nuclear packaging. With over 80 years of expertise, GP delivers high-performance, precision-engineered composite components using advanced materials and manufacturing techniques. GP's focus with the LAST-A-FOAM® line of products is meeting the exacting specifications of demanding markets by ensuring consistency, longevity, and durability. General Plastics is committed to quality, innovation, and timely delivery, making us a trusted partner for complex, mission-critical composite part needs.
From the oceans' depths to deep space, we shape great ideas into reality!
Position Summary
The Buyer/Planner is responsible for planning, purchasing, and coordinating materials to support production and business requirements. This role balances demand planning, supplier management, and inventory control to ensure on-time delivery, cost efficiency, and optimal inventory levels.
Key Responsibilities
Plan, schedule, and purchase raw materials, components, and supplies to meet production and customer demand
Analyze demand forecasts, MRP signals, and inventory levels to determine purchase requirements
Create and manage purchase orders; monitor order status and expedite as needed
Maintain appropriate inventory levels while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory
Collaborate with production, engineering, quality, and suppliers to resolve supply issues
Evaluate supplier performance related to cost, quality, and delivery
Support continuous improvement initiatives related to planning, purchasing, and inventory management
Maintain accurate data in ERP/MRP systems (item masters, lead times, order parameters)
Identify risks in the supply chain and develop mitigation plans
Support cost reduction initiatives and sourcing strategies
Requirements
Key Competencies
Material Requirements Planning (MRP):
Ability to interpret MRP signals, demand forecasts, and production schedules to support material availability.
Demand & Supply Analysis:
Understands how demand, lead times, and inventory levels interact; able to identify shortages and timing risks.
Schedule Adherence:
Supports on-time production by monitoring material readiness and escalating risks that could impact schedules.
Data Accuracy & Integrity:
Maintains accurate planning data (lead times, order quantities, safety stock) critical to aerospace compliance and planning effectiveness.
Inventory Management Fundamentals:
Applies basic inventory control concepts to help balance material availability with inventory investment.
Attention to Detail & Traceability:
Ensures planning and material data supports aerospace traceability, documentation, and quality requirements.
Problem Identification & Escalation:
Recognizes planning exceptions or material risks and escalates appropriately to senior planners or supervisors.
Cross-Functional Coordination:
Communicates material status clearly with production, quality, and engineering teams.
Process Adherence:
Follows defined planning procedures and supports compliance with AS9100 and customer requirements.
Continuous Learning Mindset:
Demonstrates willingness to learn planning systems, aerospace processes, and best practices.
Experience Requirements
As a prerequisite for this role, you must possess a minimum of two (2) years of procurement experience and a minimum of two (2) years' experience with an ERP/MRP system.
Other relevant experience may include purchasing, supplier management, order management, inventory control, estimating, or administrative support.
What We Have to Offer You
Your innovation and hard work can help create some of the most unique high performance plastic products for emerging markets, and long-term customers in the country. As a result, you'll find one of the best compensation, benefits and advancement programs in the industry. We're looking for energetic, motivated people with a "can-do" attitude and a desire to work "smart." If you are a person with a strong work ethic who enjoys the chance to excel in a positive, team-oriented setting, you'll find General Plastics to be a rewarding environment.
Plus, our Total Compensation Package is Beyond the Industry Average and includes the following:
Base compensation range is $27-$37 hourly, depending on experience
Profit-Sharing Bonus Program paid 3 times per year
Outstanding Health Care Benefits including no premiums for medical and vision for entire family & no premiums for dental for employee
Company Matched 401K up to 8%
Employee Assistance Plan
We encourage healthy eating and subsidize lunchroom food/beverage costs
Disability & Life Insurance Package
Generous Earned Time Off Plan starts at 20 days of leave per year, plus 9 Paid Holidays
ITAR - US Persons Status
Due to General Plastics' participation in the defense industry, International Traffic in Arms (ITAR) requires that access to sensitive information and material pertaining to defense and military related technologies may only be accessed, viewed, or shared by US Persons as defined by law. A "US Person" can be a US citizen, a lawful permanent legal resident, or an individual who has been admitted as a refugee or asylee.
General Plastics Manufacturing Company EEO Statement
General Plastics is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
Should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources department at (253) 473-5000.
Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace
General Plastics is a Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace and both post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, PCP, opioids, amphetamines, and alcohol when criteria are met as outlined in our company policies.
