Inventory controller Jobs in Lafayette, LA

UNITY Tactical Planner/Buyer

Planner / Buyer

UNITY Tactical Broussard, LA

Full-Time On Site or Hybrid

Reports To: Director of Production and Planning

Overview

UNITY Tactical is a growing business producing optics mounts, switches, helmet and weapon accessories for Military, Law Enforcement and related industry customers. We are seeking an experienced Planner / Buyer.

This role will be critical to building organizational planning and procurement capability. The Buyer/Planner is a hands-on position responsible for ensuring the availability of materials to support production and customer demand. This role plans, purchases, and manages inventory to balance service, cost, and cash objectives while coordinating closely with suppliers, manufacturing, and internal stakeholders. The Buyer/Planner plays a key role in maintaining production planning and uninterrupted material flow to support operational efficiency and delivery performance.

Key Responsibilities

1. Material Procurement
• Procure materials, components, and supplies in alignment with production requirements.
• Ensure on-time delivery of all required materials and services to support uninterrupted operations.
• Support the procurement team with supplier sourcing, cost analysis, and cost-control initiatives.
• Assist the procurement team in managing supplier compliance and adhering to all flow-down obligations.
• Provide feedback and assessment of vendor performance.
2. Planning and Scheduling
• Support operations in developing, maintaining, and optimizing procurement plans and schedules in alignment with customer demand, inventory targets, and production capacity.
• Monitor and adjust production schedules proactively to ensure on-time delivery of customer orders.
• Establish and maintain standardized planning processes in coordination with ERP system planning modules.
• Collaborate closely with production teams to ensure material availability that will support production requirements and schedules.
3. Inventory Management
• Manage inventory levels to ensure adequate supply while minimizing excess and obsolescence.
• Conduct regular reviews of inventory to maintain accuracy and identify slow-moving or obsolete materials.
4. Continuous Improvement
• Drive process improvements in procurement and planning processes to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall productivity.
• Participate in cross-functional teams focused on lean manufacturing, inventory reduction, and process optimization.
• Document and maintain standard work for the buying / planning process.
• Establish and maintain relevant process KPIs (Key Performance Indicators).
• Develop clear, concise reports and summaries to support leadership decision-making.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of hands-on experience in procurement, planning, and inventory management, preferably in an assembly or manufacturing setting.
• Demonstrated experience maintaining adherence to Contract and Purchase Order compliance standards.
• CPSM or equivalent procurement certification or training is strongly preferred
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and MS Excel.

Preferred Skills

• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Working knowledge of defense industry regulations and defense contract requirements (ITAR, DFARS)
• Experience with JIT or Kanban material flow
• Familiarity with supplier performance metrics such as OTD, quality, inventory and cost KPIs
• Lean manufacturing experience including 5S, Kaizen, poka-yoke, and standardized work.

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to mature and modernize the planning and procurement function
• Ability to grow professionally and develop new skills as part of a growing business
• Mission-driven work supporting U.S. military and law enforcement customers.