What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr Buyer position at Quality Electrical Systems?
Overview
The Senior Buyer is responsible for managing complex procurement activities, strategic sourcing initiatives, and supplier relationships to support production, projects, and operational requirements. This role acts as a subject-matter expert in purchasing, mentors junior buyers, and partners cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, Finance, and Project Management to ensure material availability, cost control, and supplier performance. The Senior Buyer plays a critical role in mitigating risk, controlling costs, and optimizing the supply chain.
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Key Responsibilities
• Strategic Sourcing & Procurement
• Manage procurement of materials, components, and services to support production and project-based demand
• Develop sourcing strategies to mitigate risk, reduce lead times, and control costs
• Evaluate and select suppliers based on price, quality, delivery, compliance, and service
• Lead supplier negotiations including pricing, lead times, payment terms, and contract conditions
• Maintain and improve supplier performance metrics (On-Time Delivery, quality, responsiveness, Purchase Price Variance)
• Resolve supplier issues related to shortages, quality defects, delays, and discrepancies
• Support supplier onboarding, qualification, and periodic evaluations
• Act as primary escalation point for critical supplier issues
• Review MRP demand, forecasts, and project requirements to place timely purchase orders
• Manage complex or high-value purchase orders and long-lead materials
• Coordinate with receiving, inventory control, and accounting to resolve invoice or receipt issues
• Ensure all purchasing activities comply with internal controls and audit requirements
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Knowledge and Experience Requirements
• Minimum of 5 years of purchasing/procurement experience
• Preferred certifications such as CPP (Certified Purchasing Professional) or CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management)
• Strong knowledge of MRP systems and procurement processes
• Familiarity with supplier evaluation, sourcing strategies, and contract management
• Ability to manage supplier relationships and lead negotiations
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Core Competencies
• Strategic sourcing and supplier management
• Negotiation and conflict resolution
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving
• Cross-functional collaboration and influence
• Mentorship and team development
• Compliance and process adherence
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Skills and Specifications
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong negotiation skills to optimize supplier agreements
• Advanced computer skills, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and MRP systems
• Strong analytical skills for cost, performance, and risk evaluation
• Ability to manage multiple high-value and complex purchase orders simultaneously
With more than 30 years in business and decades of combined industry experience, QES delivers innovative solutions across key markets including data centers, oil and gas, water and wastewater, and mining. We maintain OEM manufacturing partnerships with major global companies such as GE/ABB, Yaskawa, Danfoss, and TMEIC.
Our product offerings include switchgear, E-Houses, VFD systems, and other custom electrical solutions that are shipped to customers worldwide.
At QES, we are committed to quality, innovation, and teamwork. We foster a collaborative and supportive environment where employees can grow their careers while contributing to high-impact projects that exceed customer expectations.
Join a team that builds critical infrastructure powering industries around the world