Buyer

POSITION SUMMARY: The Buyer is responsible for procurement activities, supplier management, sourcing support, and inventory coordination to ensure continuity of materials and services required to support manufacturing operations and customer requirements. This role supports purchasing efficiency, supplier performance, material availability, cost management, and operational continuity within a manufacturing environment. The Buyer may provide guidance and informal assistance to less experienced purchasing staff but does not have direct supervisory responsibility. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Procurement Purchase and expedite materials, supplies, and commodities required for manufacturing operations while supporting appropriate inventory levels Utilize ERP systems to generate purchase orders, monitor order status, and maintain procurement records Coordinate with production, engineering, quality, and operations teams to support material availability and operational requirements Maintain purchase orders, revisions, supplier records, and procurement files Review supplier acknowledgements, shipment schedules, and delivery commitments to support production timelines Vendor Management & Negotiation : Develop and maintain professional relationships with current and prospective suppliers, both domestic and international Negotiate pricing, lead times, freight terms, and purchasing agreements consistent with company objectives Monitor supplier performance related to quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost effectiveness Assist with supplier corrective actions, audits, and continuous improvement activities when needed Support supplier qualification activities in coordination with Quality and Engineering Cost Control & Market Analysis : Monitor supplier trends, material pricing, and market conditions to identify cost savings and sourcing opportunities Assist in evaluating supplier quotations and procurement data to support cost control efforts Support alternative sourcing strategies intended to reduce supply interruption risks and improve operational continuity Continuous Improvement & Compliance : Support continuous improvement efforts within purchasing and procurement processes Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, safety expectations, and applicable regulatory requirements Participate in ongoing training and professional development activities related to purchasing and supply chain practices Reporting & Documentation : Maintain accurate procurement records, supplier files, RFQs, and purchasing documentation Generate and review purchasing, supplier, and inventory-related reports and metrics Assist with inventory audits, cycle counts, and periodic physical inventory activities Additional Responsibilities: Support Quality and Engineering activities related to supplier qualification and new product implementation Assist with packaging, shipping, and material handling requirements when applicable Assist with onboarding and peer training of less experienced purchasing personnel as assigned Travel as needed for supplier visits, audits, or business-related meetings Promote a professional, collaborative, and positive work environment MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS PREFERRED: Minimum of 3–5 years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) Strong communication, negotiation, organizational, and problem-solving skills Ability to read and interpret technical documents, SDS sheets, and supplier documentation Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven manufacturing environment Willingness to travel as needed Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Logistics, or related field preferred APICS, CPM, CPSM, or similar certifications preferred Knowledge of manufacturing processes, supplier management, and industrial purchasing practices preferred GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Ensure all QMS (Quality Management System) guidelines and regulations are followed All employees are required to follow and promote all company and regulatory safety and environmental standards and exhibit safe work practices at all times Use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Safety Toe Shoes, Safety Glasses, etc. required at all times in warehouse environment Follow established departmental policies, procedures, objectives, and continuous quality impr