What are the responsibilities and job description for the Corporate Buyer position at Knauf North America?
Knauf Insulation North America is the world's fastest-growing insulation manufacturer. We are wholly committed to the conservation of the environment while also sustainably developing and manufacturing a comprehensive line of acoustical fiberglass insulation for residential, commercial, industrial, marine, OEM and metal building applications, using post-consumer recycled materials.
We welcome passionate and creative individuals who thrive in an entrepreneurial, collaborative and ever-changing environment.
Our benefits go beyond just providing coverage.
We’re committed to the whole you – your health, wealth, peace of mind, self and community.
Our benefits include:
Apply online or contact us to hear why our employees appreciate being part of the Knauf family!
About the Role:
The Corporate Buyer is responsible for supporting corporate and site operations by sourcing equipment, materials, and services across the Corporate Office, Shelbyville plant campuses, and KIT facility. This role partners with internal stakeholders to identify needs, manages supplier relationships, oversees purchase order execution and delivery coordination, and administers the corporate and sales vehicle fleet. Collaborates closely with the Indirect Category Leader to ensure alignment with procurement strategies and operational priorities.
Responsibilities
Education:
We welcome passionate and creative individuals who thrive in an entrepreneurial, collaborative and ever-changing environment.
Our benefits go beyond just providing coverage.
We’re committed to the whole you – your health, wealth, peace of mind, self and community.
Our benefits include:
- Free on-site Health Care Facility
- Medical, Dental, Vision – starting on day one!
- Virtual Medical Services
- Fertility and adoption benefits
- 401(k) Retirement Plan (earn 100% matching on your first 6% contribution and fully vested day one)
- Paid parental leave
- Paid family leave
- Company provided Salary Continuance (Short- term Disability)
- Company paid life insurance
- Paid Holidays
- Vacation
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Plus, more!
Apply online or contact us to hear why our employees appreciate being part of the Knauf family!
About the Role:
The Corporate Buyer is responsible for supporting corporate and site operations by sourcing equipment, materials, and services across the Corporate Office, Shelbyville plant campuses, and KIT facility. This role partners with internal stakeholders to identify needs, manages supplier relationships, oversees purchase order execution and delivery coordination, and administers the corporate and sales vehicle fleet. Collaborates closely with the Indirect Category Leader to ensure alignment with procurement strategies and operational priorities.
Responsibilities
- Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Manage the company vehicle fleet, serving as the primary liaison with the leasing provider and coordinating maintenance, minor repairs, accident handling, and vehicle onboarding for new hires.
- Identify and implement cost-reduction opportunities for assigned materials and services.
- Investigate and resolve shipment quality and quantity discrepancies through coordination with vendors and internal manufacturing teams.
- Safeguard company assets by ensuring appropriate contractual terms and conditions are included in all purchase orders and agreements.
- Prepare and deliver reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data, trends, and key insights.
- Perform three-way match validation (purchase order, receipt, invoice) to ensure accurate and timely supplier payments.
- Ensure compliance with the Purchase-to-Pay requisition and approval process.
- Create and manage purchase orders for all indirect corporate purchases.
- Develop and maintain framework purchase orders for gas and electric utilities across all company locations.
- Procure and manage inventory for corporate mailroom and shipping supplies.
- Generate purchase orders supporting Ecose development initiatives.
- Coordinate with vendors to support weekly replenishment of corporate janitorial supplies.
- Oversee daily restocking of corporate coffee stations to maintain workplace readiness.
- Execute miscellaneous corporate purchases using company-issued credit cards in accordance with policy.
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations, or a related field
- APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or equivalent professional certification desired
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in procurement and negotiation, preferably in both manufacturing and corporate environments
- Knowledge of procurement methods and practices
- Knowledge of commodities markets, contracts, and purchasing agreement preparation
- Knowledge of TQM, Lean Manufacturing, ERP/SAP systems, and Supply Chain Optimization
- Knowledge of production planning and inventory control principles
- Ability to understand specs and drawings
- Ability to design and develop spreadsheets to organize, analyze, and interpret data
- Ability to communicate effectively throughout the organization
- Ability to make quick, thorough decisions
- Ability to partner with and support colleagues both internally and externally
- Ability to work hands-on in an industrial manufacturing environment, as well as in a corporate environment, as applicable
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Ability to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability within the organization
- Ability to instill an environment of inclusion, where all employees feel that they can contribute and impact the company in a positive manner
- Ability to support employee retention and engagement to ensure a sustainable workforce
- Effective negotiation skills
- Effective prioritization and time management skills
- Follow-up skills
- Proactive in identifying areas of opportunity and suggesting ideas for improvement
- Effective public speaking and presentation skills