Purchasing Buyer (Industrial Automation & Electrical Manufacturing)

TBest Services is seeking a technically proficient Purchasing Buyer for our client, a certified manufacturer specializing in industrial control panels, cable and harness assemblies, and electromechanical integration systems located in Elkridge, MD. Serving defense, transportation, industrial automation, energy, telecommunications, and government markets, the company operates within a regulated, high-mix manufacturing environment.

The Purchasing Buyer will own strategic sourcing, supplier performance, and material availability to support engineering-driven production while delivering measurable cost improvements. This role requires strong procurement expertise combined with technical familiarity with electrical components, fabricated parts, and industrial automation hardware.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Cost Management

Develop and execute sourcing strategies focused on total cost reduction, supplier performance, and risk mitigation
Lead RFQ processes, supplier evaluations, and contract negotiations
Negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, and long-term supply agreements
Monitor market trends and identify cost-saving and value-engineering opportunities

Technical & Operational Purchasing

Procure electrical components (breakers, relays, PLC hardware, wiring systems, power distribution) and machined or sheet metal parts
Interpret technical drawings, BOMs, and engineering documentation to ensure accurate sourcing aligned with production requirements
Manage MRP-driven purchasing activities, including purchase orders, lead times, and material availability
Own material readiness and drive resolution of shortages impacting production schedules

Supplier & Performance Management

Evaluate and manage suppliers based on cost, quality, delivery, and responsiveness
Own procurement KPIs including cost savings, on-time delivery, purchase price variance, and supplier performance metrics
Support make-versus-buy decisions and supplier consolidation initiatives
Ensure compliance with regulatory, contractual, and customer-specific sourcing requirements
Identify supply chain risks and develop contingency sourcing strategies

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with engineering, production, planning, and quality teams to resolve supply challenges and improve operational efficiency
Participate in production planning and scheduling meetings to proactively manage material risks

Qualifications

5+ years of purchasing or supply chain experience within industrial, electrical, or manufacturing environments
Strong familiarity with electrical components, control panel hardware, or electromechanical assemblies
Ability to interpret technical drawings, BOMs, and engineering documentation
Experience working in ERP/MRP-driven manufacturing environments
Proven negotiation skills with demonstrated cost-reduction results
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities

Preferred

Technical or engineering background strongly preferred
Experience in UL508A or regulated manufacturing environments
CPM, CPSM, CSCP, or similar certification

Location: Elkridge, MD

Employment Type: Full-Time (On-Site)

Salary: $80,000 $90,000 annually + performance-based bonus