Buyer/Purchasing Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for a detail-oriented Buyer/Purchasing Specialist to support daily procurement operations for a manufacturing environment in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. This Long-term Contract position focuses on securing a wide range of indirect and operational materials, coordinating closely with suppliers, and helping production teams maintain the inventory they need to stay on schedule. The ideal candidate is organized, responsive, and comfortable balancing routine purchasing tasks with inventory awareness and thorough documentation.

Responsibilities:

• Manage day-to-day purchasing activity for office supplies, cylinders, robotics-related items, die cast equipment, and other operational materials needed by the business.

• Coordinate with suppliers to confirm availability, pricing, and delivery timing so production needs are met without unnecessary delays.

• Partner with production planning teams to anticipate material demand and support continuity across manufacturing operations.

• Monitor inventory levels for selected items and take action to replenish stock before shortages affect workflow.

• Maintain accurate purchasing records, order documentation, and supplier information to support traceability and internal organization.

• Follow up on open orders and vendor commitments to help meet lead-time expectations and keep procurement activities on track.

• Work with a limited supplier base for certain materials while building dependable vendor relationships and resolving delivery issues as they arise.

• Participate in regular on-site coordination activities with front-office and production stakeholders to stay aligned on purchasing priorities.

• Experience in purchasing, buying, procurement, or a related materials support role within an office, industrial, or manufacturing setting.
• Ability to manage routine purchase orders and coordinate multiple material requests in a fast-paced environment.
• Working knowledge of supplier communication, order tracking, and purchasing documentation best practices.
• Familiarity with inventory monitoring and basic material planning to help avoid stock shortages.
• Strong organizational skills with careful attention to timelines, follow-through, and record accuracy.
• Comfortable working on-site five days per week and collaborating with production planning and internal teams.
• Degree is not required; demonstrated success performing purchasing responsibilities is valued most.