Indirect Material Buyer

Job Description

Job Description

The Indirect Material Buyer is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing all indirect materials and services required to support business operations. This role ensures the timely availability of maintenance, repair, and operating (MRO) supplies, office materials, safety equipment, facility services, and other non-production-related items while maintaining cost efficiency, quality, and supplier performance.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Purchasing

• Purchase indirect materials and services in accordance with company policies and budget requirements.
• Create, process, and manage purchase orders through ERP systems such as SAP, Ariba, or related purchasing platforms.
• Monitor supplier lead times and ensure on-time delivery of materials and services.
• Manage requisitions, approvals, and procurement documentation.
• Track open orders and proactively resolve delivery delays.

Supplier Management

• Identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers for indirect materials and services.
• Maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure service, quality, and cost objectives are achieved.
• Conduct supplier performance reviews and corrective action follow-up when required.

Cost Control & Savings

• Analyze spending trends 
• Support annual budgeting and forecasting activities.
• Maintain procurement metrics related to cost savings, compliance, and supplier performance.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure purchasing activities comply with company policies and procurement procedures.
• Maintain accurate procurement records, contracts, and supplier documentation.
• Support audits and provide purchasing reports as required.
• Ensure adherence to quality, environmental, and safety standards.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Procurement, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience

• 3-5 years of purchasing, procurement, sourcing, or supply chain experience.
• Experience purchasing indirect materials, MRO supplies, facilities services, or operational support materials.
• Experience in manufacturing, fulfillment, warehousing, or industrial environments preferred.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP, SAP Ariba, etc.).
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and data analysis.
• Experience with supplier relationship management .
• Understanding of procurement processes and inventory management principles.

Competencies

• Analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Customer-focused mindset with strong internal stakeholder management.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.

Preferred Certifications

• CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management)
• CPM (Certified Purchasing Manager)
• APICS / ASCM Certifications
• Lean Six Sigma Certification