What are the responsibilities and job description for the Buyer III position at Forum Energy Technologies?
Position Summary
Responsible for purchasing materials and supplies, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring cost-effective procurement within company guidelines. Performs contract negotiations, category inventory planning, and maintains monthly budgets. Develops strong relationships with reputable suppliers. Exercises judgment in decision-making, problem-solving, and may lead special projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Place purchase orders for inventory and consumable items.
- Maintain accurate data and dates in ERP system at all times.
- Ensure compliance with company and customer requirements.
- Investigate and resolve discrepancies with NCRs, purchase orders, or invoices.
- Source and provide quotes to sales and other internal teams as requested.
- Maintain approved inventory levels as directed by Supply Chain Manager (SCM).
- Recommend improvements in materials, quality, and cost.
- Ensure delivery of supporting vendor documentation as requested.
- Coordinate and maintain open dialogue with cross-functional teams for production and inventory planning.
- Expedite materials and supplies as required to meet production demands.
- Monitor supplier performance to meet requirements and goals, supporting and escalating as needed.
- Assist in developing and implementing purchasing strategies and cost-saving initiatives.
- Negotiate supplier agreements for stock, pricing, and terms.
Skills & Knowledge
- Strong communication, organization, and negotiation skills.
- Analytical ability and knowledge of purchasing principles.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
- DoD procurement knowledge (FAR, DFAR, and ITAR).
- ERP system proficiency (Dynamics 365 Business Central preferred).
- Leadership and team coordination skills.
- Lean improvement and process optimization mindset.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Four years of additional experience may be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.
- 6 years of relevant purchasing experience, including leadership responsibilities
About FET
FET (Forum Energy Technologies, Inc.) is a global company, serving the crude oil, natural gas, and renewable energy industries. FET is headquartered in Houston, TX with quality manufacturing, efficient distribution, and service facilities conveniently located to support the major energy-producing regions of the world. Forum’s products and services range from the underwater reservoir to the refinery, from the sea floor to the above ground transportation line. We pride ourselves on giving you a comprehensive offering of solutions to maximize your operations and improve your bottom line. Our customers are our partners and we work with them to solve their ever-changing challenges.
FET is an Equal Opportunity Employer. FET does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment decisions and practices at FET are subject to the foregoing non-discrimination provisions and are based solely on merit, competence, performance, and business needs at the time.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.