Buyer

Job Description

JOB TITLE: Buyer

LOCATION: Erlanger, KY (Cincinnati, OH metro)

REPORTS TO: Vice President of Manufacturing

BASE PAY: $54,485 -$73,715

WHO ARE WE:

Post Glover Resistors designs and manufactures specialized electrical products that keep critical infrastructure running – from power grids and utility systems to mass transit networks, continuous process production facilities, and rapidly expanding data centers across North America. As essential infrastructure continues to modernize and expand, our growth reflects the increasing demand for reliable power solutions.

With 130 years of established expertise, we're building on a strong foundation while evolving for the future. The deep technical knowledge that defines our reputation is now being enhanced by modern engineering approaches and innovation. We're scaling thoughtfully while maintaining the collaborative culture that defines us, plus we offer:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with multiple plan options
• On-site fitness center - work out before work, during lunch, or after hours
• Life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage included
• Vacation time that increases with tenure
• Vacation purchase program for additional flexibility when you need it
• Paid holidays plus floating holidays for personal priorities
• 401(k) with 5% company match - we invest in your retirement from the start
• Long-term stability backed by more than 130 years of continuous operation

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Buyer is responsible for executing day-to-day purchasing activities for raw materials and components essential to resistor manufacturing operations. This role focuses on researching products, preparing purchase orders, selecting vendors, and managing supplier relationships. The position works cross-functionally with Sales, Engineering, Operations, and Finance to maintain optimal inventory levels, ensure on-time delivery, and support cost reduction initiatives while maintaining quality standards.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Purchasing Operations & Execution

• Research products and materials, prepare purchase orders, and place orders with domestic and global suppliers.
• Obtain materials from suppliers at the lowest cost consistent with quality requirements, reliability of source, and urgency of need.
• Organize and maintain product information, track back orders, and follow up with vendors to ensure on-time delivery.
• Monitor and forecast raw material requirements utilizing MRP (Material Requirements Planning) system to support production schedules and prevent supply disruptions.
• Place purchase orders with appropriate quantity and timing to maintain optimal inventory levels.
• Develop and maintain necessary records and files for efficient purchasing operations in ERP system.

Vendor Management & Sourcing Support

• Lead the research and selection reliable suppliers, conducting assessments of quality, delivery performance, and pricing competitiveness.
• Analyze quotations received from vendors, compare pricing and terms, and select suppliers.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with assigned vendor base to ensure responsive service and issue resolution.
• Track supplier performance metrics including on-time delivery, quality, and responsiveness.
• Collaborate with Senior Buyer on supplier transitions, qualifications, and more complex sourcing initiatives.

Inventory & Demand Planning

• Collaborate with Operations on inventory assessments to validate stock levels and identify replenishment needs.
• Schedule deliveries to balance material availability for production with inventory turn goals.
• Monitor consumption patterns and adjust order quantities to minimize excess inventory and avoid stockouts.
• Partner with Finance and Operations to achieve inventory KPIs while ensuring material availability.

Cost Analysis & Market Intelligence

• Perform cost comparisons and basic analysis before making purchasing commitments.
• Study market trends and monitor pricing changes to identify opportunities for cost savings.
• Track and report purchasing metrics including spend by vendor, cost savings, and supplier performance.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing purchasing costs and improving efficiency.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Sales, Engineering, and Operations to clarify material specifications and technical requirements for purchase orders.
• Coordinate with multiple departments to determine product needs, quality standards, and delivery timing.
• Optimize transactional purchasing processes to reduce administrative effort and improve turnaround time.
• Participate in problem-solving teams addressing supply chain challenges and process improvements.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience considered.
• 1-3 years of purchasing or procurement; experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience with both domestic and international suppliers preferred.
• Working knowledge of supplier negotiation, price analysis, and purchase order management.
• Must pass pre-employment background check and drug screen.

Technical Competencies

• Working knowledge of MRP systems and basic material planning concepts.
• Experience with ERP systems for purchase order creation, inventory tracking, and basic reporting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, cost comparisons, and reporting (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, basic formulas).
• Ability to read and understand basic technical specifications and engineering drawings helpful.

Procurement & Business Skills

• Strong attention to detail in purchase order accuracy, pricing verification, and specification compliance.
• Ability to analyze vendor quotations and make sound purchasing decisions or recommendations.
• Demonstrated organizational skills to manage multiple purchase orders, vendors, and priorities simultaneously.
• Cost-conscious mindset with ability to balance price, quality, and delivery requirements.
• Capability to work independently on routine purchasing activities.

Professional Skills

• Clear verbal and written communication skills for vendor interactions and internal coordination.
• Strong planning and time-management abilities to meet production schedules and delivery deadlines.
• Professional demeanor in vendor negotiations and cross-functional collaboration.
• Self-motivated with ability to follow through on commitments and achieve goals.
• Willingness to perform hands-on activities including physical inventory verification on manufacturing floor.
• May provide guidance or mentoring to purchasing support staff.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Ability to work at computer workstation for extended periods with occasional plant floor visits for inventory assessments.
• Capability to lift material samples up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Standard business hours (Monday-Friday) with flexibility to accommodate supplier calls across different time zones and urgent production requirements.