Tactical Buyer

Overview We are seeking a detail-oriented Tactical Buyer to manage procurement activities and inventory levels in alignment with our strategic business objectives. In this role, you will leverage data analytics to forecast demand, optimize purchasing processes, and ensure the availability of products while minimizing excess inventory. Responsibilities Interface with production, engineering, QA, ME, and suppliers to schedule purchase orders of raw material to meet production demand. Maintain responsibility for monitoring/creating purchase orders on a daily basis for approved vendors through Epicor – MRP system. Review and maintain master data (item master, BOM’s, pack sizes, lead times, kanban quantities) integrity of assigned vendors/parts. Initiate purchasing-related change controls and deviations, coordinate the completion of relevant tasks, and confirm closure of the process. Initiate and participate in cost‑saving efforts. Manage new and existing vendor relationships by meeting with the vendor base on a regular basis in accordance with the vendor management process, to review vendor performance against expected requirements and business needs. Be responsible for raw material scheduling, updating databases, editing routine documents, procurement follow‑up and expediting orders when necessary. Cross‑train with other select areas in planning and/or purchasing. Analyze open purchase order reports and resolve deviations from promised delivery dates. Reconcile variances between purchase orders, invoices, material releases, shipments and pack slips. Monitor vendor delivery performance, days on hand and related quality issues. Communicate significant current/potential supply performance problems (capacity, imbalance, non‑compliant material, material shortages, supplier delays). Provide data for KPI metrics (root cause, excess inventory, schedule compliance, at‑risk parts, OTD) as determined by management. Compliance with safety, quality, and environmental policies and procedures. Other responsibilities may be assigned, and not all responsibilities listed above may be assigned. Comply with all standards set by the organization. Qualifications Education and/or Experience: AAS degree in business or related field (preferred) and/or equivalent amount of relevant experience. 3+ years’ experience in purchasing, procurement, inventory planning in a manufacturing environment. Applicable qualifications to APICS, CPIM, SCM or IIPMM. 3+ years of experience in demand/inventory planning. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and motivate others. Proficient in MS Office Suite, particularly Excel for data analysis and Power BI. Ability to assess/evaluate and initiate decisive action as needed in a professional manner. A collaborative team player who thrives in a dynamic environment. Ability to work independently. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively. Proactive problem solver with a focus on continuous improvement. Teachable, and willing/able to teach others. Ability to work in a fast‑paced & changing environment. Ability to develop, maintain and strengthen partnerships with others inside or outside the organization. The above Job Description is not intended to be an all-encompassing list of responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with this position. It is intended to be a guideline reflecting the principal activities. Worksite: Grand Rapids, MN | Position: Tactical Buyer Job Type: Full Time | FLSA: Exempt Department: Purchasing | Work Schedule: M-F Starting Wage: $55-70K This position offers the potential for discretionary bonus compensation up to 6% of base salary. Benefits: YCENA currently offers a comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic Life & AD&D, Voluntary Term Life, Short & Long Term Disability, EAP, HSA, Medical & Dependent Care FSA, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity, Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, and a 401(K) plan with a company match of up to 4%. #J-18808-Ljbffr