Job Description
Job DescriptionWe are looking for a motivated Buyer to join our team in Duluth, Minnesota, on a long-term contract basis. In this role, you will manage procurement activities to ensure the seamless acquisition and delivery of production parts while maintaining strong relationships with suppliers. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in supply chain operations, strategic sourcing, and inventory planning to support efficient production processes.
Responsibilities:
• Oversee the procurement of production parts by managing purchase orders, requisitions, and supplier communications.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to ensure timely delivery of components and resolve part shortages.
• Coordinate transportation and logistics with suppliers and the transportation department to optimize delivery methods and costs.
• Monitor supplier performance and create purchasing metrics to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Address and resolve non-conforming part issues in collaboration with the quality team and external suppliers.
• Support technical reviews with suppliers and ensure compliance with design changes and new component releases.
• Analyze production schedules to ensure accurate and timely placement of purchase orders.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and enterprise excellence projects to enhance procurement processes.
• Investigate and propose cost-saving opportunities while driving informed decision-making through cross-functional collaboration.
• Provide updates on parts availability and potential supply chain risks to leadership and stakeholders.• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, or a related field, with at least 3 years of experience in procurement or strategic sourcing.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills to manage supplier relationships effectively.
• Knowledge of inventory planning systems such as Pull/Kanban and Two-Bin, as well as Bill of Materials.
• Familiarity with engineering documentation, manufacturing process control, and technical data.
• Proficiency in Office applications, particularly Excel, and experience with ERP systems like Avante or JD Edwards.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.
• Knowledge of lean methodologies, Six Sigma principles, and continuous improvement processes.
• Experience in program or project management is preferred, as well as certifications in supply chain management.