Buyer

American Nitrile is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Buyer to support our growing manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for ensuring the right materials are available at the right time, in the right quantities, and at the best possible cost to support production and customer commitments. The Buyer manages purchasing activities while also supporting material planning and inventory management to ensure uninterrupted operations and optimal inventory performance. The ideal candidate is analytical, proactive, and thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment where collaboration, problem-solving, and continuous improvement are valued.

Duties and responsibilities

Procurement & purchasing

• Create, maintain, and manage purchase orders for raw materials, packaging materials, spare parts, and services.
• Monitor open purchase orders and proactively follow up with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery.
• Expedite critical materials when required to prevent production interruptions.
• Obtain quotes, compare pricing, and support sourcing decisions.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and supplier terms where appropriate.
• Resolve issues related to late deliveries, shortages, invoice discrepancies, and supplier performance.
• Maintain accurate purchasing data within ERP systems.

Material planning

• Review production schedules and translate demand requirements into purchase plans.
• Utilize ERP systems to identify material requirements and replenish inventory.
• Monitor inventory levels and projected consumption to ensure material availability.
• Identify potential shortages and implement corrective actions before production is impacted.
• Maintain planning parameters, including lead times, safety stock levels, reorder points, minimum order quantities, and lot sizes.
• Balance inventory investment while maintaining service levels.

Supplier management

• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Monitor supplier performance related to delivery, quality, responsiveness, and cost.
• Participate in supplier scorecard reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support supplier qualification and onboarding efforts.
• Work with Quality and Operations teams to resolve supplier-related quality issues.

Inventory management

• Monitor and maintain inventory levels for production materials and MRO supplies.
• Identify opportunities to reduce excess and obsolete inventory.
• Support inventory accuracy initiatives, cycle counts, and physical inventories.
• Analyze inventory trends and recommend stocking strategies.
• Collaborate with warehouse personnel to address inventory discrepancies.

Supply chain analytics & reporting

• Generate and maintain reports related to purchasing, inventory, supplier performance, and material availability.
• Analyze demand trends, inventory levels, and supplier performance data.
• Provide recommendations for cost savings, inventory optimization, and process improvements.
• Support monthly KPI reporting and business reviews.

Continuous improvement

• Participate in initiatives focused on improving supply chain efficiency and effectiveness.
• Identify opportunities to reduce lead times, improve supplier performance, and lower inventory costs.
• Support implementation and enhancement of ERP tools and processes.
• Contribute to cross-functional operational excellence initiatives.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Material Science, or Logistics preferred.

Experience

• 3-5 years of purchasing, planning, procurement, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with ERP systems required.
• Experience managing suppliers and inventory replenishment processes.
• Experience supporting manufacturing operations strongly preferred.

Skills & attributes

• Strong understanding of procurement and inventory management principles.
• Working knowledge of Material Requirements Planning (MRP).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management abilities.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across multiple departments.
• Results-driven with a continuous improvement mindset.

Working conditions

This position is based in an office and manufacturing plant environment and requires regular time on the production floor to coordinate with Operations and Warehouse teams, which may involve standing, walking, and occasional light lifting. Standard business hours apply, with occasional flexibility required to accommodate supplier calls across time zones or to resolve urgent material shortages.

American Nitrile