What are the responsibilities and job description for the Buyer - Industrial Equipment/Engineer-to-Order Manufacturing position at KOCH Finishing Systems?
Buyer – Purchasing & Supply Chain | Engineer-to-Order Manufacturing
Koch Finishing Systems | Caledonia, MI (5041 68th St SE, Caledonia, MI 49316)
Full-time | Starting at $60,000/year
Koch Finishing Systems is hiring a Buyer to lead purchasing, procurement, strategic sourcing, and supplier management for our engineer-to-order (ETO) manufacturing operation. This is a strong fit for a purchasing or procurement professional who's comfortable reading engineering drawings, specs, and bills of material (BOMs), and who enjoys solving problems in a fast-paced, project-driven environment.
You'll work cross-functionally with Engineering, Project Management, Estimating, Manufacturing, Inventory, Quality, Shipping/Receiving, and Accounting to source the materials and components behind our custom-engineered industrial finishing systems — plating barrels, process tanks, structural frames, automated hoists, pumps, chemical dosing systems, filtration systems, rectifiers, heating coils, and custom plastic fabrications.
About Koch Finishing Systems
We design and build custom industrial finishing equipment — from plating and anodizing systems to chemical processing lines — for manufacturers nationwide, partnering with customers from concept through installation.
What You Get
Koch Finishing Systems | Caledonia, MI (5041 68th St SE, Caledonia, MI 49316)
Full-time | Starting at $60,000/year
Koch Finishing Systems is hiring a Buyer to lead purchasing, procurement, strategic sourcing, and supplier management for our engineer-to-order (ETO) manufacturing operation. This is a strong fit for a purchasing or procurement professional who's comfortable reading engineering drawings, specs, and bills of material (BOMs), and who enjoys solving problems in a fast-paced, project-driven environment.
You'll work cross-functionally with Engineering, Project Management, Estimating, Manufacturing, Inventory, Quality, Shipping/Receiving, and Accounting to source the materials and components behind our custom-engineered industrial finishing systems — plating barrels, process tanks, structural frames, automated hoists, pumps, chemical dosing systems, filtration systems, rectifiers, heating coils, and custom plastic fabrications.
About Koch Finishing Systems
We design and build custom industrial finishing equipment — from plating and anodizing systems to chemical processing lines — for manufacturers nationwide, partnering with customers from concept through installation.
What You Get
- Starting pay of $60,000/year
- Paid holidays, vacation, PTO, and EPTO
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement plans
- Tuition and fitness reimbursement
- Hands-on exposure to custom industrial equipment projects alongside Engineering, Manufacturing, and Project teams
- Review purchase requisitions, engineering drawings, specs, and BOMs to confirm accuracy before placing orders
- Source specialized industrial, plating, and finishing components — including titanium/zirconium heating coils, chemical-resistant pumps and valves, rectifiers, filtration systems, and custom plastic fabrications
- Identify and qualify new suppliers and subcontractors; build strong, lasting vendor relationships
- Request quotes, negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, and delivery requirements; issue accurate purchase orders
- Keep materials, equipment, and subcontracted services on track to meet project schedules
- Coordinate delivery logistics between job sites, fabrication facilities, and subcontractors, verifying destination, quantity, and timing
- Track supplier performance (quality, cost, lead time, on-time delivery) and document results in the ERP system
- Partner with Engineering and Estimating to onboard new suppliers, including credit applications and tax-exemption documentation
- Manage surplus and obsolete inventory alongside the Inventory Coordinator
- Maintain stock levels for standard parts while managing project-specific buyouts
- Resolve pricing, fulfillment, and invoice discrepancies with Shipping/Receiving, Engineering, and Accounting
- Drive non-conforming material (NCR) resolution, RMAs, and supplier corrective actions with Quality Control
- Contribute to cross-functional purchasing and supply chain process improvements
- Associate degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Purchasing, or related field — or equivalent experience
- 2 years of purchasing/procurement experience, including sourcing major equipment or industrial components
- Ability to read and interpret technical specs, engineering drawings, and BOMs
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; ERP/MRP/purchasing system experience a plus
- Strong negotiation, supplier management, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to juggle multiple projects, suppliers, and deadlines without losing accuracy
- Background in metal finishing, electroplating, anodizing, industrial chemical handling, or wastewater treatment equipment
- Strategic sourcing or supplier development experience
- Familiarity with corrosion-resistant materials (polypropylene, PVC/CPVC, PVDF, titanium, 316 stainless steel, steel, copper)