Buyer - Senior

Job Description

The Senior Buyer is responsible for the strategic sourcing, procurement, and inventory management of raw materials, chemicals, labels, packaging components, and related supplies required to support manufacturing operations. This position ensures uninterrupted supply of materials while maintaining compliance with FDA regulations, company quality standards, and cost objectives. The Senior Buyer works closely with Production, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Planning, Warehouse, and suppliers to support operational efficiency and product quality.

Duties & Responsibilities

· Source, negotiate, and procure raw materials, chemicals, labels, packaging components, and other manufacturing supplies.

· Maintain adequate inventory levels to support production schedules while minimizing excess inventory and carrying costs.

· Issue and manage purchase orders, monitor order status, and ensure timely delivery of materials.

· Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure quality, service, and competitive pricing.

· Evaluate supplier performance based on quality, delivery, responsiveness, and regulatory compliance.

· Collaborate with Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs to ensure purchased materials meet FDA requirements, specifications, and approved supplier qualifications.

· Review material requirements generated through ERP/MRP systems and develop purchasing plans to support production demand.

· Monitor market trends, pricing fluctuations, and supply chain risks related to chemicals and packaging materials.

· Lead cost reduction initiatives through supplier negotiations, strategic sourcing, and process improvements.

· Coordinate resolution of supplier quality issues, shortages, and delivery discrepancies.

· Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier documentation, contracts, and pricing agreements.

· Support supplier audits, qualification activities, and corrective action initiatives as required.

· Work closely with warehouse and inventory personnel to reconcile inventory discrepancies and optimize stock levels.

· Ensure all purchasing activities comply with company policies, FDA regulations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and applicable industry standards.

· Generate purchasing reports and key performance indicators for management review.

· Assist in the development and implementation of purchasing policies, procedures, and continuous improvement initiatives.

· Provide guidance and support to other purchasing staff.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

· Strong understanding of purchasing principles, inventory control, and supply chain management.

· Knowledge of FDA regulations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and supplier qualification requirements.

· Excellent negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

· Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.

· Ability to analyze purchasing data and identify cost-saving opportunities.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills.

· Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external suppliers.

Qualifications

· Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Chemistry, or a related field preferred. Equivalent experience will be considered in lie of degree.

· 8 years of purchasing or procurement experience in a manufacturing environment.

· Minimum of 3 years purchasing chemicals, raw materials, labels, packaging materials, or regulated products.

· Previous experience working within an FDA-regulated manufacturing environment strongly preferred.

Working Condition

This position primarily works in an office environment within an FDA-regulated chemical manufacturing facility, with regular interaction with production, warehouse, quality, and laboratory personnel. This role requires frequent use of computers, telephones, and other standard office equipment. Occasional visits to manufacturing, warehouse, and chemical storage areas are required, where the employee may be exposed to varying temperatures, manufacturing noise, chemical odors, and moving equipment. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn when entering operational areas.

The position requires the ability to sit for extended periods, regularly walk throughout the facility, communicate effectively in person and electronically, and occasionally lift and carry materials or samples weighing up to 25 pounds. The employee must be able to review detailed documents and computer data for extended periods and may occasionally travel to supplier locations, industry events, or training programs.

This job description lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.

Pay: $80,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Purchasing: 5 years (Required)
• Chemicals: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $80,000 - $85,000