Buyer

ABOUT SCHLENK
SCHLENK Metallic Pigments (USA) is the U.S. subsidiary of Schlenk SE, a fourth-generation, family-owned German company founded in 1879 and headquartered in Germany. With approximately 800 employees globally and operations across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, SCHLENK is a world leader in the production of metallic effect pigments, metallized films, as well as specialty copper foils. 
The Lawrence, Kansas, facility is the US headquarters for SCHLENK and combines production, laboratories, a warehouse, and administration all under one roof. 

POSITION SUMMARY
The Buyer is a hands-on, detail-oriented role responsible for managing the full cycle of raw materials and related inventory transactions. This individual serves as the operational link between our facility, our German parent company headquarters, and third-party vendors — ensuring that materials are ordered, received, documented, and processed accurately and on time to support uninterrupted production. It works in close cooperation with the production management, the finance department, and the president of the company. 

This role requires a highly organized self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, can manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and communicates effectively across cultures and time zones. Proficiency with ERP systems — specifically SAP Business One — is strongly preferred.

•        Source, request, and issue Purchase Orders (POs) for raw materials and supplies from domestic and international vendors

•        Manage ongoing purchasing relationships with multiple vendors, including SCHLENK Germany headquarters as a primary vendor and customer

•        Monitor open POs, follow up on delivery timelines, and proactively communicate delays or discrepancies to the appropriate internal stakeholders

•        Coordinate with the German headquarters on shipping requirements, lead times, customs documentation, and international freight logistics

•        Obtain competitive quotes and support cost management initiatives as directed

•        Maintain accurate vendor records, pricing files, and procurement documentation

 

Receiving & Inventory Control
•        Receive incoming raw materials and goods into the ERP system and check for accuracy against Purchase Orders and packing slips

•        Create and post Goods Receipt POs (GRPOs) in SAP Business One upon receipt of materials

•        Process Goods Receipts and Goods Issues for manufacturing to ensure accurate real-time inventory levels in the ERP system

•        Identify and resolve receiving discrepancies, damaged goods, or short shipments in a timely manner

•        Support the primary liaison in managing communications with SCHLENK Germany headquarters on shipping requirements, procurement needs, and operational updates

•        Serve as a backup point of contact for the German headquarters in the absence of the primary liaison, ensuring continuity of communication and operations

•        Assist with coordinating international shipments from the German parent company, including freight documentation, customs requirements, and import compliance

•        Track inbound international shipments and communicate ETAs to the internal team as directed

•        Maintain familiarity with headquarters processes, shipping schedules, and key contacts to ensure seamless backup coverage when needed

•        Maintain organised and complete filing systems for all purchasing, receiving, and shipping documents

•        Assist with month-end closing activities related to AP accruals and inventory reconciliation

•        Prepare reports and summaries as required

•        Support the Finance team with vendor invoice matching and AP documentation as needed

•        Perform general administrative duties to support operations as assigned

•        Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Operations, or a related field; equivalent work experience considered

•        Minimum 1–3 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain in a manufacturing environment is preferred

•        Experience with SAP Business One or a comparable ERP system strongly preferred

•        Experience working with international vendors or in a global manufacturing environment is a plus

 Skills & Competencies

•        Exceptional organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously without losing attention to detail

•        Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate professionally with international colleagues and vendors across time zones

•        Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite — particularly Excel, Outlook, and Word

•        Comfortable navigating ERP systems for data entry, reporting, and transaction processing

•        Proactive follow-up skills — does not wait to be reminded; takes ownership of open items

•        Ability to work independently in a small-team environment with minimal supervision

•        Cross-cultural awareness and patience when coordinating with international headquarters

•        Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to identify and resolve discrepancies

 WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position operates primarily in an office setting within a manufacturing facility. Regular office hours are Monday through Friday. Occasional presence on the production floor or in the warehouse may be required for receiving and inventory activities.
 
BENEFITS

•        Health & dental & vision insurance

•        401(k) matching, up to 6%

•        Paid vacation, holidays and sick time. 

•        Company sponsored life insurance