Buyer

Position Title: Buyer – Procurement/Sourcing Team
Department: Procurement / Sourcing
Reports To: Sourcing Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Location: Telford, TN

Position Purpose:

The Buyer position provides procurement responsibility for indirect materials, services and assets for multiple ebm-papst Inc locations. This role focuses on supplier negotiations, purchase order placement and delivery tracking. The effective Buyer ensures the accurate preparation, tracking, and maintenance of procurement documentation while managing supplier communication and supporting compliance requirements. Buyer will support financial and sourcing strategy and deliver cost-saving initiatives.

This position acts as the organizational hub for procurement documentation, vendor onboarding, and cross-functional communication, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the Procurement/Sourcing function.

Key Responsibilities & Duties:

Administrative & Clerical Support (10%)

• Manage calendar, attend meetings, and coordinate logistics for procurement-related events, supplier meetings, and cross-functional reviews.
• Maintain both physical and digital procurement filing systems (contracts, purchase orders, vendor records, compliance documents).

Procurement Operations Support (60%)

• Preparation and issuance of purchase orders (POs) and supplier agreements.
• Manage incoming requests via Smartsheet, Requisitions or other.
• Negotiate total cost of ownership, process purchase orders, manage internal and external issue resolution.  
• Track purchase orders through the procurement lifecycle, ensuring timely approvals, shipments, and deliveries.
• Collaborate with Accounts Payable to resolve discrepancies.
• Support vendor onboarding by collecting W-9s, certificates of insurance, compliance documentation, and entering supplier information into ERP/procurement systems.
• Coordinate routine supplier communications, including document requests and status updates.

Reporting & Data Management (20%)

• Generate and maintain procurement reports such as spend analysis, supplier performance metrics, and budget vs. actuals.
• Monitor applicable KPIs and assist with data gathering for audits, compliance, and management reporting.
• Update and maintain vendor databases, procurement dashboards, and ERP system records to ensure accuracy.

Compliance & Continuous Improvement (10%)

• Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, audit requirements, and industry regulations.
• Assist with internal audits and provide required documentation in a timely and organized manner.
• Support process improvement projects by identifying inefficiencies, suggesting improvements, and participating in implementation.
• Collaborate with procurement staff to identify cost-saving opportunities and process standardization.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Accuracy of procurement documentation and vendor records.
• Timeliness of purchase order and invoice processing.
• On-time support for supplier onboarding and compliance tracking.
• Quality and accuracy of procurement reporting.
• Responsiveness and reliability in supporting the Procurement/Sourcing team and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Finance, or related field; or 10 years of procurement experience in a relevant manufacturing environment. (Electric Motor Manufacturing preferred)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Experience with ERP or procurement systems (SAP, Oracle, Coupa, Ariba, Sage, etc.) preferred.
• Experience working in a disciplined, quality system-driven environment.
• Experience optimizing supplier performance, including cost, quality, delivery and flexibility. 
• Ability to read blueprints. 
• Working knowledge of JIT systems including VMI and Kanban. 
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills; high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent work ethic and experience working in a multi-national environment.
• Excellent cross-functional communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive supplier and financial information.
• Ability to reliably commute to facility in Telford, TN and comfortable working in a collaborative, open layout environment with shared work areas. 

Core Competencies:

• Organizational Skills: Manages multiple priorities, keeps accurate records, and meets deadlines.
• Communication: Clear, professional communication with internal stakeholders and suppliers.
• Attention to Detail: Produces accurate, error-free documentation and reporting.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with procurement staff, finance, operations, and suppliers.
• Adaptability: Responds to shifting priorities and evolving procurement needs.
• Problem-Solving: Identifies issues, proposes solutions, and supports resolution.

Working Conditions:

• Office-based with potential hybrid/remote flexibility (depending on company policy).
• Requires regular computer use, data entry, and handling of sensitive documents.