Buyer I

Job Title

The Buyer works with all functional departments to determine the raw material and components necessary to meet the production schedule, purchases material at lowest possible cost, and maintains adequate levels of raw materials to support efficient plant operations.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Supporting Purchasing Managers to maintain pricing records, info records, and reporting
• Maintain master data and MRP settings to ensure proper stocking policies and targets are delivered
• Pulling and assembling feedstock indices and other related analytics to support Purchasing Managers' category strategies and negotiations.
• Verifies raw materials are ordered to meet the Master Production Schedule – rolling weekly, monthly, and 3-month schedule and adjusts as necessary.
• Works with Suppliers to expedite and improve delivery performance.
• Maintains accurate Purchase Order data in ERP System (SAP).
• Accurately performs numerous transactions in ERP System (SAP).
• Verifies raw materials are ordered against agreed customer forecasts.
• Reviews inventory order patterns and quantities, and recommend actions to improve vendor delivery performance, schedule adherence, and cost savings.
• Work with other departments to reduce the overall delivery/test/release times.
• Reviews age of all raw materials and takes appropriate action to work to minimize spoilage exposure associated with Raw Materials.
• Sends Raw Material POs to vendors or suppliers.
• Confirms delivery dates of Raw Materials to Plant Managers and Operations Leadership.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by their manager

Strategic Sourcing

• Source and procure commoditized raw materials/ finished goods, intermediates, and packaging materials at optimal total cost of ownership (TCO).
• Build and manage relationships with key chemical suppliers, conducting regular performance reviews, audits, and negotiations for non-critical commodities.
• Identify supply chain vulnerabilities, monitor chemical market trends, and develop secondary sourcing strategies to prevent stockouts.
• Ensure all purchased materials comply with environmental, health, and safety (EHS) regulations, including OSHA, REACH, and EPA standards, as well as hazardous material shipping requirements.
• Work closely with R&D, production, and quality control teams to forecast inventory needs and qualify alternative raw material vendors.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree Required from a 4-year University
• Experience: Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in a manufacturing organization, preferably in procurement. Direct experience procuring chemicals is preferred.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and advanced Excel for data analysis.
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, market pricing dynamics, and hazardous material logistics.