Buyer

Position Summary This is an individual‑contributor role responsible for procurement of assigned items, planning, coordinating, and reviewing activities related to an assigned divisional commodity, and managing inventory to satisfy customer requirements. The Buyer will commit funds, make strategic business decisions, operate as a liaison between the business and procurement, and maintain inventory levels of raw materials. The position is performed with minimal direct supervision and includes generating quotations, expediting and placing purchase orders according to existing strategy and previously negotiated prices, and sourcing potential new suppliers. Responsibilities Generate quotations, expedite and place purchase orders in accordance with strategy and negotiated prices. Handle Engineering Change Notices, invoicing discrepancies, shortages, quality issues, inventory analysis, and supplier analysis for assigned items. Resolve material shortages and maintain outstanding internal customer satisfaction. Ensure timely delivery of purchased material for divisional production consistent with inventory policy. Prepare Return Goods Orders and disposition of rejected material. Maintain professional relationships with suppliers, engineers, production control, marketing, manufacturing, and other purchasing personnel. Resolve issues related to invoicing, receipts, acknowledgements, material shortages, delinquencies, and certifications with vendors, divisional, and corporate personnel. Coordinate Engineering Change Notices for purchased items affecting new or existing materials. Interpret MRP output to create purchase orders and verify supplier receipt. Expedite delivery of past‑due or moved‑up purchase orders and record date revisions in system. Contact suppliers to resolve shipment discrepancies or quality issues. Provide metrics and scorecard data, collaborating with suppliers on quality, on‑time delivery, costing, and customer experience performance. Obtain quotations for new items from approved suppliers and negotiate process changes that lower purchase prices. Analyze on‑hand levels, reorder levels, and reorder quantities and make necessary database changes or recommendations. Analyze delivery issues and adjust database as required. Devise purchasing procedures to improve service and reduce cost. Other Important Details Provide sourcing assistance during major shutdowns. Assist Accounts Payable with timely credit/debit reconciliation. Act as backup for other Buyers. Develop deeper understanding of production requirement data and respond appropriately. Participate in Lean initiatives such as inventory carrying costs, Kanban, consignment, and floor stock. Assist Corporate Purchasing in supplier consolidation efforts. Conduct studies of material costs and supplier services and recommend changes. Co‑train Associate Buyers for specific functions such as Drop Ship Orders and Off‑site Orders. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree with 3+ years of experience or 5+ years of relevant quality experience. Professional experience with contract management and negotiations. Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. Ability to travel domestically up to 5% of scheduled work time. Experience in a purchasing/supply chain role. Experience in sales, operations planning, master scheduling, inventory control, or production control within an MRP/ERP environment. One year of purchasing experience within a manufacturing or fabrication environment. APICS C.P.I.M. certification or equivalent. Experience evaluating the integrity and reliability of business systems. Data analysis skills to minimize inventory and adjust system data. Excellent communication, organization, analytical, and interpersonal skills. Strong mathematical aptitude. Knowledge of Lean theory and material requirements planning. Experience with inventory and production activity control techniques and data query development. Understanding of production requirement data and ability to respond appropriately. Problem‑solving skills for invoicing, receipts, shortages, delinquencies, and certifications. Ability to analyze data and make informed decisions. Confidence and flexibility to handle multiple activities and perform under pressure. Effective and professional communication with internal and external stakeholders. Passion and integrity for delivering exceptional results. Highly Qualified Candidates Five years of experience in a purchasing/supply chain role. Purchase experience within a manufacturing or fabrication environment. Strong analytical skills and evidence of driving process improvements. Working Environment Work is typically performed in an office setting, requiring extended periods of sitting and use of computer equipment. The employee may occasionally stand and walk within the office. Ergonomic safeguards such as monitor height and keyboard position should be maintained. The employee may be required to lift or move up to 25 pounds occasionally. Vision requirements include close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception. Benefits Healthcare (medical, prescription, dental, and vision) 401(k) retirement plan with company match Paid time off Employer‑paid life insurance Employer‑paid short‑term and long‑term disability, including maternity leave Work‑life support Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per year Voluntary programs such as tobacco cessation, Type2 diabetes reversal, one‑on‑one health coaching, mortgage services, and more Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Valmont does not discriminate against any employee or applicant in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you have a disability and require any assistance in filling out the application for employment, email View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr Valmont Industries