Buyer - Liquids

Role Summary

The Buyer plays a vital administrative role within the procurement function, primarily responsible for issuing purchase orders (POs) promptly and accurately once planned and firm orders are entered into the system. This position is essential to ensuring the timely flow of materials that support production schedules, meet customer demand, and align with inventory management goals.

Direct Reports           Â

• None

                                                                                                                                       
Knowledge-Skills-Abilities:

Education:

• Certification in Supply Chain Management (e.g., APICS CSCP, ISM CPSM) preferred.

Experience:

• 3-5 years’ experience buying in a high-volume manufacturing environment; multi-location preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of logistics workflows, including inventory management and distribution.
• Ability to manage multiple and changing projects and priorities.
• Ability to make decisions within established guidelines.
• Ability to work under pressure regularly.
• Proven negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Proven ability to identify risks and present options to solve supply chain issues.
• Knowledge of purchase orders.

Technology/Software:

• Proficient in Microsoft Suite applications and various market research tools.
• Intermediate/advanced computer skills (Excel, interlinked databases, ERP).
• Solid understanding of Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems and logistics operations, including inventory control, procurement workflows, and supply chain coordination.

Communication:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to present information clearly and concisely to various stakeholders.
• Detailed listener.

Physical Capabilities:

• Strength (lifting, dexterity, repetitive motion): Able to use a computer extensively.
• Movement (standing, stopping, sitting, crouching, crawling): General movement in an office setting with extended time relating to sitting.
• Hearing (loud noise tolerance, quiet work area, public speaking, receiving work direction): Normal sound volumes in an office setting, some exposure to a production floor environment which may be loud.
• Vision (judge distance, read signs, extend computer work, identify details): Able to read information, view a computer screen for extended periods, and recognize hazards.

Position Responsibilities-Tasks-Deliverables

An individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty listed below. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

All duties as assigned and the following specific activities.

Procurement Execution

• Process purchase orders promptly based on firm requirements within the ERP/MRP system.
  Standard expectation: PO issued within 24–48 hours of firm demand entry.
• Ensure all purchase order details are accurate, including quantities, minimum order quantities (MOQs), delivery dates, pricing, and supplier information.
• Verify vendor confirmations for accuracy, including quantities, item numbers, item descriptions, delivery dates, and pricing.
• Coordinate and process changes to existing purchase orders, such as quantity adjustments and delivery date modifications.
• Work with suppliers to resolve pricing, quality, and delivery issues in a timely manner.
• Lead weekly supplier meetings to review open orders and discuss current or ongoing issues.
• Support internal collaboration by ensuring firm or released orders for long lead-time materials aligned with production schedules.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date purchase order records to ensure data integrity and audit traceability.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of all procurement activities.
• Monitor and report on supplier performance using defined KPIs.
• Proactively identify risks related to material availability, supplier performance, or demand changes and escalate as needed.

Team Collaboration

• Work effectively as part of the procurement team.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including planning, production, and quality.
• Escalate complex or high-risk issues to the Purchasing Supervisor or Manager when necessary.

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