Buyer

Job Summary:

The Buyer is responsible for managing activities related to the procurement of components from the company’s supply base. This includes processing purchase orders, negotiating delivery schedules with suppliers, tracking orders and shipments, maintaining inventory levels, supporting quality assurance efforts, resolving receiving discrepancies, and collaborating closely with operations and management. The Buyer will work cross-functionally to forecast business needs and make purchasing decisions driven by demand within the ERP system.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Analyze product requirements; prepare and issue purchase orders to approved vendors. Convert system requisitions into purchase orders in accordance with established procedures.
• Negotiate pricing structures and evaluate supplier processes; develop an understanding of cost structures within relevant industries.
• Perform daily analysis to organize product information, track shipments, and expedite overdue orders as needed.
• Procure materials from approved suppliers, ensuring quality, reliability, and timely delivery; identify and implement alternative sourcing when necessary to mitigate production shortages.
• Monitor supplier portals for delivery performance and communicate discrepancies to planning and management; maintain blanket purchase orders in alignment with supplier systems.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, Supplier Quality, and Operations to resolve delivery challenges, including process and print deviations when required.
• Develop and maintain records, reports, and documentation to support efficient purchasing operations.
• Maintain MRP parameters by part number and vendor in accordance with company standards and supplier agreements.
• Coordinate with inventory management, cycle counting, receiving, and stockroom teams as needed.
• Apply ordering methodologies and planning processes consistent with PFEP (Plan for Every Part) standards.
• Resolve invoicing discrepancies with vendors and internal departments in a timely manner.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, and standard functions
• Strong data analysis and manipulation skills in Excel
• Solid understanding of ERP systems and principles
• Demonstrated sense of urgency and responsiveness
• Ability to problem-solve independently
• Professional phone and communication etiquette
• High attention to detail
• Strong planning and organizational skills

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required or 3 -5 years of equivalent experience
• Preferred 3-5 years of experience working in a buyer position within a manufacturing organization
• Preferred APICS certification or willingness to get APICS certified once hired

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to lift 50 pounds