Buyer II

JOB TITLE: Buyer II

EMPLOYER: VAG USA, LLC | GA Industries brand

DEPARTMENT: Supply Chain

REPORTS TO: Supply Chain Manager

ABOUT US: GA Industries, founded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1895, is a leader in the manufacture of valves for industrial and municipal water and wastewater industries in the USA.  GA Industries is owned and operated by VAG USA, LLC in Mars, Pennsylvania, USA. VAG USA, LLC is a member of the VAG Group headquartered in Mannheim, Germany.

VAG USA, aka GA Industries, plays a leading role wherever water is purified, conveyed, stored, and distributed. With a robust and growing valve-focused product line, our innovative and customized solutions are used in multiple applications and industries. With a focus on the customer, we set new standards in quality and service and strive for manufacturing excellence.

THE ROLE: The Buyer II is responsible for owning supplier relationships and ensuring reliable, cost-effective supply of machined components, castings, fabricated parts, MRO supplies, and subcontracted manufacturing services.

This role is critical to maintaining production continuity, improving supplier performance, and driving measurable cost savings. The Buyer II proactively manages supplier delivery, negotiates pricing and commercial terms, resolves supply disruptions, and supports manufacturing schedules.

This position requires urgency, accountability, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to operate independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

High performers in this role will directly impact operational efficiency, supplier performance, and company profitability.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supplier Ownership & Performance

• Own supplier relationships and hold suppliers accountable for delivery, quality, and cost performance
• Monitor and improve supplier on-time delivery, lead time, and responsiveness
• Resolve supplier delivery, quality, and invoicing issues with urgency
• Conduct supplier performance reviews and drive corrective actions

Strategic Sourcing & Negotiation

• Source and procure machined components, castings, forgings, fabricated parts, coatings, and subcontracted services
• Negotiate pricing, delivery terms, and agreements to achieve cost savings and improved service
• Identify and qualify new suppliers to improve competitiveness and reduce supply risk
• Support make-versus-buy analysis with cost and lead time data

Production Support & Execution

• Analyze MRP/ERP outputs (SAP) to ensure timely placement of purchase orders
• Ensure material availability to support production schedules and customer delivery   commitments
• Act quickly to resolve material shortages and prevent production disruptions
• Coordinate closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Planning teams

Cost Reduction & Continuous Improvement

• Drive year-over-year cost reduction initiatives
• Identify alternate sourcing and value improvement opportunities
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain
• Help improve inventory levels, supplier lead times, and overall supply chain efficiency

Operational & System Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate purchasing data in SAP ERP system
• Support new product introductions and engineering changes
• Assist with inventory accuracy and cycle count reconciliation
• Ensure compliance with company and regulatory requirements

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Supplier on-time delivery performance
• Cost savings achieved
• Supplier responsiveness and accountability
• Production continuity and shortage prevention

• ERP accuracy and purchasing execution

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field preferred

• 3–5 years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment required
• Experience sourcing machined components, castings, or fabricated parts strongly preferred
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems required (SAP preferred)

Skills & Competencies

• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications preferred
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability
• Ability to operate independently and make sound decisions
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Strong communication and cross-functional coordination skills
• Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This role operates in both office and manufacturing environments and requires frequent interaction with production teams and suppliers.

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and occasionally lift up to 30 pounds
• Occasional exposure to manufacturing floor conditions

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Additional hours may be required based on production needs and business demands.

TRAVEL

Approximately 10% travel may be required for supplier visits, training, and supplier development.

EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Health Savings Account
• Paid Time Off and Holidays

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT:  VAG USA, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.