Senior Buyer

Requisition ID 39756-Posted -1 (Default)- United States - TX - Stafford

At Chart, we design and build some of the world's most advanced cryogenic equipment—that’s how our “Cooler By Design” tagline was born. But it’s not just our technology that’s cool. It’s our people. We solve complex problems as a team, making us truly Cooler Together. And with the addition of Howden to the Chart family, we’re Stronger Together, too.

Our customers don’t simply bring us equipment specs—they bring us challenges. That’s where you come in. From concept and design to installation and commissioning, you’ll help create solutions that support a wide range of industries and applications.

• Launching rockets into space
• Delivering Nexus of Clean solutions for clean water, clean power, clean food, and clean industrials
• Powering the carbonation in your favorite fast-food beverage
• Making nitro coffee and even nitro ice cream possible

Want to see our impact in action? Explore Chart City: We’re looking for bright, driven talent excited to build a career in an evolving, high‑growth industry. Along with competitive compensation and meaningful work, Chart offers development programs designed to grow future leaders. That could be you. If you’re passionate about design engineering and think a career at Chart sounds pretty cool, let’s talk.

The Buyer is responsible for managing the procurement process to ensure the timely acquisition of materials, equipment, and services required to support business operations. This position plays a critical role in maintaining supplier relationships, controlling costs, supporting inventory requirements, and ensuring uninterrupted production. The Buyer works with minimal supervision, handles complex purchasing challenges, and serves as a key resource to internal stakeholders while driving continuous improvement initiatives throughout the supply chain.

What Will You Do?

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for direct and indirect materials to support production goals and business requirements.
• Research, evaluate, and source materials, components, equipment, and services from qualified suppliers.
• Purchase metal, machined parts, fabrications, and outside services such as machining, plating, inspection, and related supplier services.
• Prepare and execute purchase orders, blanket orders, and requests for quotation.
• Partner with Category Managers to generate RFQs for assigned category families.
• Analyze supplier quotations, negotiate pricing, contracts, delivery schedules, and terms, and recommend sourcing decisions based on cost, quality, reliability, and business needs.
• Identify, evaluate, and manage supplier relationships to ensure quality, reliability, responsiveness, and cost-effectiveness.
• Monitor supplier performance, including quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost competitiveness.
• Expedite open purchase orders and proactively manage supplier delays, shortages, and backorders to minimize production disruption.
• Monitor market trends, pricing fluctuations, and supply chain risks to proactively adjust procurement plans and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Production, Quality, Planning, Inventory Control, and Operations teams to align purchasing decisions with production schedules and operational needs.
• Review inventory levels and planning requirements to ensure material availability while minimizing excess inventory.
• Resolve supplier issues related to delivery, quality, invoicing, or purchasing discrepancies in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, pricing information, supplier performance data, and procurement documentation within the ERP system.
• Support ERP system updates and data integrity related to procurement activities.
• Lead cost reduction initiatives and continuous improvement projects within the supply chain.
• Assist with the implementation of regional or global sourcing strategies that leverage synergies between Americas and worldwide business units.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, quality requirements, ethical sourcing standards, and Chart procedures.
• Maintain the highest level of ethical behavior while following Chart procedures, policies, work instructions, and safety guidelines.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and support to less experienced team members and may serve as a lead for departmental purchasing activities.
• Participate in cross-functional projects and strategic sourcing initiatives to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen supplier performance.

Your Experience Should Be...

• 5 or more years of procurement, purchasing, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience buying metal, machined parts, fabrications, and coordinating outside services such as machining, plating, inspection, or similar supplier services is required.
• Experience sourcing direct and indirect materials and managing supplier relationships.
• Strong understanding of procurement principles, inventory management, supplier management, and supply chain processes.
• Experience negotiating pricing, contracts, delivery terms, and supplier agreements.
• Basic understanding of how to read a blueprint.
• Clear understanding of quality systems such as ISO and quality documentation requirements.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems, preferably Epicor, JD Edwards, or similar platforms.
• Ability to analyze purchasing data, market trends, supplier performance, and inventory requirements to identify opportunities for improvement and cost reduction.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and resolve complex purchasing issues independently.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Experience using Microsoft Teams and other business communication tools.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, or lead-level experience preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and build effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers

Your Physical Work Environment Will Require…

• Ability to move throughout office, warehouse, and production environments.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and perform routine office tasks.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 15 pounds.
• Exposure to manufacturing environments, including varying noise levels.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing and office environment while managing competing priorities.

Your Education Should Be...

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience may be considered.