Buyer

Position Summary & Objective

The Senior Buyer is a strategic procurement professional responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing the supply of materials, components, and services required for a heavy fabricating manufacturing environment. This role oversees complex, high‑value purchasing activities across a global supply base, ensuring cost competitiveness, supply continuity, and adherence to quality and delivery requirements. The Senior Buyer partners closely with engineering, operations, quality, and finance to support production schedules and long‑term business objectives.

Essential Functions Performed by the Position

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for raw materials, fabricated components, capital equipment, and specialized services used in heavy manufacturing.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify global and domestic suppliers to ensure capability, capacity, and compliance with technical and quality standards.
• Lead supplier negotiations focused on cost reduction, long‑term agreements, risk mitigation, and performance improvement.
• Monitor supplier performance using KPIs such as on‑time delivery, quality, and cost competitiveness.
• Drive supplier development initiatives to strengthen supply chain resilience and reduce total cost of ownership.
• Monitor reporting and ERP system for purchase demand requirements.
• Expedite or follow-up on purchases when required and update record if ship dates change.
• Negotiate Blanket Orders, with suppliers, for frequently needed materials.
• Support logistics and customs activities.
• Using data analytics across spend categories to drive organizational decision making through Power BI.
• Satisfy ISO 9001 Quality Standard as it applies to purchasing functions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes, blueprint reading and quality assurance procedures.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, and Power BI.
• Proficient in use of ERP systems to support purchasing activities (Epicor)

Required Education and Experience

• Associates degree or Bachelors degree preferred or three years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in a job shop or engineered to order manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Heavy manufacturing experience preferred.

Licenses or Certifications Required

• None

Environment and Working Conditions

• Normal office environment; some interaction in a heavy steel fabrication environment to coordinate with manufacturing team members

Travel Requirements (percent)

• 10%

Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.