Buyer / Procurement Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Buyer / Procurement Specialist – Manufacturing | St. Louis, MO

DEMA Engineering Company | Full-Time | On-Site | St. Louis, MO

ARE YOU A PROCUREMENT PROFESSIONAL WHO WANTS TO OWN IT - NOT JUST PROCESS IT?

If you're looking for a procurement role that goes beyond placing purchase orders, this is it. DEMA Engineering Co. is seeking a Procurement Specialist who is ready to own a portfolio of spend categories, build meaningful supplier partnerships, and drive real results for a global manufacturing operation, all from our headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri.

ABOUT DEMA ENGINEERING COMPANY

Since 1956, DEMA Engineering Company has been a family-owned global leader in chemical dispensing and fluid control technologies. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, we employ more than 420 people worldwide, with manufacturing facilities across the United States and operations in Europe and Australia.

As an ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified organization, DEMA is built on a culture of accountability, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement. Our people build long careers here, because they have the stability of a well-established company and the autonomy to make a meaningful impact every day.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Procurement Specialist manages end-to-end procurement for assigned spend categories, from sourcing strategy and RFQ/RFP execution to supplier performance management and ERP-driven purchasing. You'll partner closely with Engineering, Production Planning, Operations, Quality, and Finance to ensure supply continuity, cost competitiveness, and operational excellence.

This is a strategic and operational role. You'll own your categories, influence outcomes, and contribute to a procurement team that is central to DEMA's continued growth.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Manage procurement activities for assigned categories, including production materials, components, MRO supplies, tooling, equipment, facilities purchases, and contract services.
• Lead RFQ and RFP processes, including supplier identification, bid evaluation, cost analysis, and sourcing recommendations.
• Review ERP/MRP purchasing requirements and execute purchasing plans to support production and inventory objectives.
• Manage purchase orders, supplier acknowledgments, delivery schedules, and order modifications.
• Identify and mitigate supply risks while proactively resolving material shortages and delivery issues.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships focused on quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost performance.
• Support supplier qualification, onboarding, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate procurement data, pricing, lead times, and supplier records within the ERP system.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, Production Planning, Quality, and Finance to support business objectives and new product introductions.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and inventory optimization.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent education and relevant work experience
• 3–5 years of procurement, purchasing, sourcing, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment
• Hands-on experience with ERP and MRP systems
• Proven ability to manage RFQ/RFP processes and supplier relationships
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, bills of material, and technical requirements
• Cross-functional collaboration experience with Engineering, Operations, Production Planning, and/or Quality
• Strong problem-solving, negotiation, communication, and organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Epicor ERP experience
• CPSM, CPIM, CSCP, CPP, or similar supply chain certification
• Lean Six Sigma training or certification
• Background in precision manufacturing, industrial products, fluid control, or engineered components
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality systems and supplier quality management practices
• Experience with global sourcing, international suppliers, or import/export management
• Indirect spend experience: MRO, tooling, facilities services, or capital equipment

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

Within your first few months, you will have established ownership of your assigned procurement categories, built trusted relationships with key suppliers, and become a go-to resource for your cross-functional partners. You'll have improved visibility into supply risks, contributed to inventory optimization, and made measurable progress toward cost savings goals.

You'll know you're thriving when your stakeholders seek you out first, and your suppliers see you as a partner, not just a customer.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Contribution
• Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Wellness Programs and On-Site Fitness Center
• Employee Assistance Resources
• Stability and long-term growth potential at a family-owned, global manufacturer

READY TO MAKE AN IMPACT?

If you bring the expertise, the ownership mindset, and the drive to make procurement a true competitive advantage, we want to hear from you.

Apply today and join a team that has been engineering quality solutions since 1956.

DEMA Engineering Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.