Buyer

Job Title: Buyer

Position Summary:
Wausau Tile is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Buyer to support purchasing and supply chain operations in a manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for purchasing raw materials, components, and indirect supplies necessary to support production schedules while maintaining cost, quality, and delivery objectives. The Buyer works closely with Production, Planning, Quality, and Accounting teams and utilizes the company’s ERP system to manage purchase orders, supplier communication, and inventory flow. The ideal candidate is organized, analytical, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.

Key Responsibilities:

Purchasing & Supplier Management:

• Purchasing raw materials, components, and indirect supplies to support operational needs.
• Create, issue, and manage purchase orders in accordance with company policies and approved suppliers.
• Communicate with suppliers to obtain pricing, lead times, delivery confirmations, and resolve discrepancies, throughout the procure to pay process.
• Monitor supplier performance related to on-time delivery, quality, and responsiveness.
• Support cost control initiatives through price negotiations and alternate sourcing when appropriate.
• Professional business representation with support of business processes and a continuous improvement approach.

Inventory & Production Support:

• Collaborate with Operation Leaders, Planning, and Scheduling to ensure material availability aligns with manufacturing schedules.
• Track open purchase orders and expedite materials as needed to prevent disruptions.
• Review inventory levels and system-generated requirements to prevent shortages or excess inventory.
• Assist with cycle counts and inventory accuracy initiatives as assigned.

ERP/Data Management:

• Enter and maintain accurate purchasing data within the ERP system.
• Review purchase order acknowledgements and update due dates as needed.
• Resolve invoice discrepancies in coordination with Accounting and suppliers.
• Maintain accurate supplier records, pricing, and lead-time data.
• Generate and analyze purchasing and inventory reports to support decision-making.

Specific Tasks:

• Create and manage purchase orders for assigned commodities or suppliers.
• Track delivery performance and follow up on late or incomplete shipments.
• Coordinate material substitutions or alternatives with Operations and Quality as needed.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to purchasing processes and supplier performance, and operations.
• Assist with supplier audits, documentation, and compliance requirements as assigned.

Physical Requirements:
Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer.
Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching.
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. occasionally.

Safety Commitment:

The Buyer is expected to follow all safety policies and procedures and contribute to a safe working environment. This includes responsible behavior in both office and plant settings and active participation in safety initiatives.

Qualifications:

Required Experience and Skills:

• Associate’s degree in supply chain management and minimum of 1–3 years of purchasing or buyer experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment or increased commensurate experience.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems in a production setting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook and Excel for communication, tracking, and reporting.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
• Strong core value alignment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business administration, or a related field or equivalent manufacturing purchasing experience.
• Experience purchasing raw materials or engineered components. Strong inventory management experience.
• Familiarity with supplier negotiations and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Prior experience working closely with production, planning, or Operations teams.

Wausau Tile is an Equal Opportunity Employer and an Affirmative Action Plan Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.