Job Description
Job Description
Position Summary
The Buyer is responsible for managing end‑to‑end procurement activities, including reviewing material requirements, planning purchases, and securing high‑quality materials, parts, and components at competitive prices. This role requires strong analytical and supplier‑management skills to ensure materials are available to support production schedules while maintaining accuracy within the business system.
Key Responsibilities
· Review and process purchase requisitions and MRP-generated demands, ensuring timely procurement of high-quality materials, parts, components, and services at the most cost-effective pricing.
· Manage claims for defective materials, shortages, incorrect shipments, and other nonconformances.
· Maintain regular communication with suppliers to resolve shortages, late deliveries, missed shipments, and other issues; expedite materials as needed to support production and on‑time delivery goals.
· Assist in identifying and onboarding new suppliers to support cost, quality, and delivery objectives.
· Create and maintain purchasing master data, including part setup, pricing, cost, lead times, supplier assignments, and planning parameters to ensure accurate reporting and efficient materials planning.
· Respond promptly and professionally to inquiries from internal teams, customers, and suppliers regarding order status, changes, cancellations, and delivery timelines.
· Ensure consistent, high‑quality execution of all purchasing tasks, including documentation, follow‑up, and communication.
· Accurately enter and maintain purchasing records and transactional data within the company’s ERP/business system.
Qualifications
Required
· 3+ years of purchasing/buying experience in a manufacturing, distribution, or industrial environment.
· Strong understanding of procurement processes, purchase orders, supplier management, and material planning.
· Experience working with MRP/ERP systems (Epicor, SAP, Oracle, or similar).
· Ability to analyze data, interpret material requirements, and manage changing priorities.
· Strong negotiation skills with the ability to secure competitive pricing and favorable terms.
· Excellent communication skills for interacting with suppliers and internal teams.
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, etc.).
· Ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and follow-up activities with accuracy and attention to detail.
· Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to resolve supplier or material issues quickly.
Preferred
· Prior experience in an industrial, electrical, or manufacturing purchasing environment.
· Experience onboarding or qualifying new suppliers.
· Familiarity with ISO or quality management systems.
· Knowledge of reading basic engineering drawings, part specifications, or bills of materials.
· Experience participating in continuous improvement or cost-reduction initiatives.
Physical Demands
· Work is primarily performed in an office environment, requiring frequent sitting, computer use, and extended periods of data entry.
· Regular use of standard office equipment such as a computer, keyboard, mouse, phone, copier, and printer.
· Occasional walking through the production floor to review materials or meet with cross-functional teams (may require wearing appropriate PPE).
· Ability to lift up to 20 pounds occasionally for handling sample parts, supplier packages, or documents.
· Must be able to communicate effectively in person, via email, and over the phone.
· Occasional travel to supplier locations, trade shows, or other company facilities may be required.