Buyer

The Buyer is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing the supply of materials, components, and services required to support manufacturing operations. This role goes beyond transactional purchasing and requires a strategic approach to supplier management, cost control, supply continuity, and inventory optimization.

The ideal candidate will have experience purchasing hydraulic, mechanical, machining, casting, or manufacturing-related components and will possess strong supplier relationship management skills, analytical capabilities, and a proactive approach to problem solving. This position works closely with Operations, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Planning, and Suppliers to ensure material availability, cost competitiveness, and on-time delivery. This role is a Full-time, on-site role at our facility in Monroe, WA. This position will report to the Supply Chain & Operations Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

Manage purchase orders from placement through delivery and resolve critical supply issues that may impact production schedules or customer deliveries.

Coordinate with planning and operations teams to ensure uninterrupted material flow and maintain appropriate inventory levels.

Monitor supplier lead times, capacity constraints, and delivery performance to proactively identify and mitigate supply risks.

Ensure accuracy and integrity of purchasing, inventory, supplier, and pricing data within the ERP system.

Collaborate with manufacturing and production planning to support changing business demands and customer requirements.

Identify and execute cost reduction opportunities through strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, value engineering, freight optimization, and supplier consolidation.

Support supplier selection, qualification, and onboarding activities for new components and product programs.

Partner with Engineering and Operations to evaluate alternate materials, suppliers, and manufacturing processes.

Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships focused on quality, delivery, responsiveness, and continuous improvement.

Monitor supplier performance using key performance indicators (KPIs), including on-time delivery, quality performance, lead time adherence, responsiveness and support corrective actions when performance expectations are not met.

Maintain effective communication with internal stakeholders regarding supply risks, shortages, and recovery plans.

Education & Skills:

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent work experience.

Minimum 5 years of purchasing, sourcing, procurement, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.

Experience purchasing hydraulic components, machined parts, castings, forgings, fabricated assemblies, industrial components, or similar products a plus.

Demonstrated success negotiating pricing, lead times, and commercial agreements with suppliers.

Experience managing supplier performance and driving measurable improvements in cost, quality, and delivery.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and data analysis.

Experience working with ERP/MRP systems.

Preferred Experience & Skills:

Hydraulic industry experience.

APICS, CPSM, CPM, or related supply chain certification.

Experience supporting manufacturing, assembly, or industrial equipment operations.

Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.

About HKX

HKX is a leading manufacturer of hydraulic components and systems serving customers across a variety of industrial and mobile equipment markets. We are committed to delivering high-quality products, exceptional customer service, and innovative hydraulic solutions. As our business continues to grow, we are seeking an experienced Buyer who can help strengthen our supply chain, ensure material availability, support manufacturing operations, and drive supplier performance.

HKX, Inc. is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.