Vericel Corporation, a leader in advanced therapies for the sports medicine and severe burn care markets, has an exciting opportunity for a top performing supply chain professional looking to join and contribute to a commercial stage company with an established portfolio of unique advanced cell therapies and specialty biologics. Reporting directly to Supply Chain Management at Vericel, this is a great opportunity to join a high growth company with a strong balance sheet supported by a talented team of professionals who are committed to improving the lives of the patients we serve. POSITION SUMMARY The Materials (Supply Chain) Department and Buyer/Planner I are responsible for ensuring an uninterrupted supply of materials essential for the function of assigned product lines and areas. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Essential Functions: Review purchase requisitions to ensure that they meet the organization\'s compliance. Create Purchase Orders; maintain accurate open PO lines to define inbound quantities and due dates from suppliers. Manage returned goods to suppliers. Confirm that modifications and changes to existing orders are properly documented and processed. Track status of back orders and inventory aging report. Partner with internal customers when needed to expedite purchase requisitions or identify solutions for supply chain disruptions which may include the sourcing of alternative providers. Resolve pricing and/or invoicing discrepancies with suppliers. Plans the replenishment of materials to support the production schedule, while controlling inventory turns and materials shortages. Conducts material planning and inventory management for assigned raw materials. Coordinates logistics as needed. Conducts physical inventories and reconciles physical inventory with system quantities. Act as liaison with suppliers. Requests quotes from suppliers, performs new supplier sourcing and evaluation. Adheres to appropriate Standard Operating Procedures for business planning unit to ensure compliance with SOPs, ISO 9000, and cGMP procedures, MRS, Sarbanes-Oxley Controls, and corrective action goals. Properly escalate any known supply chain disruptions, order discrepancies or contract matters for internal review and remediation. Other job duties are required. Leadership Responsibilities: Understanding, observing, and adhering to the goals and policies outlined in Vericel?s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics Being honest and treating people with respect and courtesy. Constantly striving to make Vericel a great place to work, and a company respected for the quality of its people and products. Serving as role models for our fellow employees and business partners by acting responsibly, fairly, and honestly in our dealings and exercising sound judgment in performing our jobs. QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE S.S. degree (or equivalent experience) and 0-2 years of work experience or A.A/AS and 2+ years of relevant experience or GED, High school diploma or equivalent with and 4+ years of relevant experience. Experience working on cross functional teams. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency in all Microsoft Office; Advanced Microsoft Excel Skills Previous experience with inventory management in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software Familiar with Purchasing and Quality Systems. Preferred Qualifications Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Experience in Life Sciences. Familiar with cGMP processes. Experience within a regulated environment that is frequently audited by FDA, ISO and other internal and external Agencies. WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS May be required to stand for long periods of time while performing physical duties. Must be able to lift, carry, push and pull up to 50 lbs.