Buyer

This position is based on-site at our Marion, South Carolina facility. Remote and hybrid arrangements are not available, and candidates must be able to report on-site daily. Relocation assistance is not available for this role.

Work Authorization & Relocation: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. No visa sponsorship or transfer (e.g., H-1B) will be provided for this role.

Position Summary

The Buyer is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing materials, components, and services required for plastic injection molding operations. This role supports production schedules by ensuring on-time delivery of quality materials at the best possible cost. The Buyer works closely with suppliers, production, quality, and inventory teams to maintain efficient supply chain operations, and provides backup purchasing support to PSI’s other facilities as needed.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Purchasing

• Source and purchase resin, masterbatch and colorant, purchased components and inserts, packaging and corrugated, MRO supplies, mold components and tooling spares, and outside processing services (painting, plating, pad printing, assembly).
• Issue purchase orders (POs) and ensure confirmations are received and accurate.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, lead times, and delivery schedules with suppliers.
• Monitor material availability and cost fluctuations, including resin market conditions, allocation, price-increase notices, minimum lot sizes, and truckload and gaylord quantity breaks.
• Manage customer-supplied, consigned, and customer-directed material and suppliers in accordance with program requirements.

Supplier Management

• Maintain positive relationships with approved suppliers.
• Evaluate supplier performance on quality, delivery, and responsiveness.
• Resolve supplier issues, delays, or discrepancies proactively.
• Issue and follow up on supplier corrective action requests (SCARs) in coordination with Quality.
• Assist in qualifying new suppliers and supporting audits when needed.

Production Support

• Maintain optimal inventory levels to support production without overstocking.
• Communicate with the Production Manager and Shipping Manager on material needs.
• Monitor open orders and inbound shipments to match production schedules.
• Coordinate with the Inventory Specialist to investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies.
• Provide backup purchasing support to PSI’s Wolfeboro, NH and South Bend, IN facilities during vacations, absences, and peak demand, including familiarity with part numbers and supplier bases outside Marion.

Cost Control & Accuracy

• Identify cost-saving opportunities through supplier consolidation, negotiation, and process improvements.
• Maintain accurate purchase pricing and item information in DELMIAworks (formerly IQMS).
• Review invoices for accuracy and work with suppliers or accounting to resolve issues.

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure compliance with PSI purchasing policies and quality standards, including [ISO 9001 / IATF 16949].
• Maintain purchasing records, supplier files, and documentation for audits.
• Obtain and maintain material compliance documentation required by customer programs (certificates of analysis, PPAP, RoHS, REACH, conflict minerals).

Performance Measures

• Purchase price variance (PPV) and documented cost savings
• Supplier on-time delivery performance
• Past-due purchase order lines
• Inventory turns and days on hand
• Expedited freight spend

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field (preferred).
• 3–5 years of purchasing or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Plastic injection molding experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems required. DELMIAworks (formerly IQMS) preferred; SAP, Oracle, Epicor, or similar considered.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
• Ability to analyze data and solve problems effectively.
• Knowledge of purchasing best practices and supply chain principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other business software.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Office environment within an active manufacturing facility.
• Regular visits to the production floor, where personal protective equipment including safety glasses and hearing protection is required.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and work at a computer for the majority of the shift.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Exposure to typical manufacturing conditions including noise, machinery, and variable temperatures.

Core Competencies

• Attention to Detail
• Critical Thinking
• Vendor Relationship Management
• Cost Awareness
• Collaboration & Teamwork
• Sense of Urgency

Additional Responsibilities

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Additional duties may be assigned based on business and operational needs.

PSI Molded Plastics reserves the right to modify job duties and responsibilities as necessary.