Senior Buyer

Position Summary

The Buyer is responsible for procuring a wide variety of raw materials, components, and outside services in a high-mix/low-volume manufacturing environment. This role requires rapid response to changing customer demand, frequent new part introductions, and tight coordination with engineering and production. The Buyer must balance speed, cost, and supplier flexibility to ensure material availability without overcommitting inventory.

Key Responsibilities

Dynamic Procurement & Sourcing

• Source and procure diverse materials (compressors, fans, electrical components, metals)
• Quickly identify and qualify new suppliers for unique or non-standard requirements

Supplier Agility & Relationship Management

• Develop suppliers capable of short lead times, small batch sizes, and high responsiveness
• Negotiate not just price, but flexibility (minimum order quantities, quick-turn capability, split shipments)
• Maintain backup suppliers for critical or volatile materials
• Develop suppliers to shorten supply chain(local inventory from overseas suppliers) without overcommitting
• Identify and develop domestic suppliers whenever possible

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work closely with engineering on new part launches, print changes, and material substitutions
• Collaborate with production planning to react to schedule changes and shifting priorities
• Interface with sales/customer service to support expedite requests and customer-driven changes

Expediting & Problem Resolution

• Proactively monitor open orders and aggressively expedite as needed
• Resolve material shortages, supplier delays, and quality issues in real time
• Make risk-based decisions to prevent production interruptions

Inventory Strategy

• Minimize excess and obsolete inventory
• Strategically stock common materials while avoiding overbuying on custom items
• Use consumption trends and job history to guide stocking decisions where possible

Systems & Data Management

• Maintain accurate and timely purchase orders in ERP/MRP systems
• Continuously update pricing, lead times, and supplier capabilities
• Manage frequent order changes, cancellations, and reschedules

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to standardize materials and reduce complexity where feasible
• Support quoting accuracy by providing current material and service costs
• Contribute to lead time reduction and supplier performance improvements

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field preferred
• 3–7 years of purchasing experience in a high-mix, custom manufacturing environment

Technical Skills

• Strong ERP/MRP experience in a job shop setting
• Familiarity with fabrication materials, finishes, and outside processing
• Advanced Excel skills for tracking and analysis