Buyer

POSITION PURPOSE

The Buyer supports manufacturing operations by procuring materials and services that ensure uninterrupted production at the Dayton, TN facility. This role manages supplier relationships, executes purchase orders, resolves supply issues, and partners cross-functionally to balance cost, quality, delivery, and inventory objectives.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Procurement Management: Manage the end-to-end purchasing process for a variety of goods and services to support manufacturing operations.

• Supplier Relations: Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors to ensure quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Inventory Coordination: Collaborate with inventory and production teams to maintain optimal stock levels and avoid shortages or overstock.

• Order and Delivery Oversight: Issue purchase orders, manage expedite needs, monitor order status, and ensure timely delivery of materials and services.

• Cost Optimization: Identify cost-saving opportunities through strategic sourcing, volume leverage, and supplier consolidation.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, production, and quality teams to align procurement with project timelines and specifications.
• Supplier Intelligence: Monitor trends, material availability, and pricing fluctuations to inform purchasing decisions.
• Compliance & Documentation: Ensure all procurement activities comply with company

• Data and Reporting: Maintain accurate procurement records and provide regular reports on supplier performance, cost savings, and procurement KPIs.

NATURE & SCOPE

This position operates in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and is responsible for day-to-day purchasing execution in direct support of production at the Dayton, TN facility. The Buyer manages a defined scope of materials and services, working within established supply chain strategies, contracts, policies, and systems.

The role requires frequent interaction with suppliers, production scheduling, inventory control, engineering, and quality to ensure materials are available to meet manufacturing requirements. The Buyer exercises judgment in resolving supply constraints, expediting orders, addressing quality or delivery issues, and balancing cost, lead time, and inventory objectives.

Decisions made by this role directly impact production continuity, inventory levels, supplier performance, and operating costs. The role influences supplier behavior and supports broader supply chain and continuous improvement initiatives.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 3 years of experience in a Buyer or Procurement role within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Experience procuring aluminum finstock, copper tube, and/or sheet metal a plus
• Solid understanding of purchasing processes, sourcing strategies, and supplier relationship management.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating commercial terms with suppliers, including pricing, lead times, payment terms, and inventory programs (e.g., VMI).
• Proficiency with ERP systems; SAP experience strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and execute in a fast paced manufacturing environment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally and engage suppliers professionally.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel, for data analysis and reporting.
• Working knowledge of procurement compliance requirements and basic contract and commercial law principles.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and resolve issues proactively with minimal supervision.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.  The position is predominantly an office function and has exposures consistent with an office role with extended periods seated, standing, walking, and entering information on a computer. While performing this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk up to 25% of the time.  This position requires occasional lifting up to 30 pounds and some travel to our local 3PL.