Buyer I

Buyer Position at Cates Control Systems

Working at Cates Control Systems as a Buyer offers an exceptional opportunity to be part of a company that has a long-standing history of excellence in the automation and control industry. For over 40 years, Cates has been a trusted partner for manufacturing companies, providing top-tier automation solutions.

As a Buyer at Cates, you'll be joining a company that is not only committed to innovation and quality but also deeply values its employees and their contributions to the company's success. The company's commitment to exceptional customer service is at the core of everything we do, and that dedication extends to fostering a positive, collaborative workplace. You'll have the chance to work alongside industry experts, contribute to high-impact projects, and support a company with a rich history and a forward-thinking vision. Cates is not just a company; it's a place where you can grow, develop, and make a meaningful impact in the automation and control sector.

Job Purpose

This is an entry-level purchasing position responsible for supporting the department by placing purchase orders, following up with vendors, updating purchase order information, supporting invoice resolution, and helping ensure materials are ordered and delivered in support of Cates production needs.

Developing buyer role intended to learn Cates purchasing processes, Epicor purchasing tools, vendor communication standards, industrial electrical components, and internal production requirements.

Key Responsibilities

1. Place purchase orders for assigned materials, hardware, software, and supplies using Epicor or approved systems.
2. Follow purchasing work instructions and department procedures.
3. Confirm purchase order information is complete and accurate before sending to vendors.
4. Send purchase orders to vendors and request acknowledgments.
5. Enter vendor confirmations and promise dates into Epicor.
6. Follow up with vendors on missing acknowledgments, missing promise dates, and basic order status requests.
7. Request price, availability, lead time, and order status information from vendors.
8. Escalate vendor issues, delays, or unclear responses to Buyer II or the Supplier Relationship Manager / Purchasing Supervisor.
9. Maintain accurate purchase order dates, notes, confirmations, and vendor responses in Epicor.
10. Assist with vendor price list updates, data entry, purchasing record cleanup, and invoice discrepancy support.
11. Complete assigned training profile and demonstrate increasing independence over time.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required
• Prior purchasing, inventory, customer service, administrative, industrial distribution, or manufacturing experience preferred
• ERP experience preferred but not required
• Microsoft Office experience required
• Industrial electrical parts knowledge preferred but not required

Skills

• Attention to detail
• Willingness to learn
• Written and verbal communication
• Organization
• Ability to follow procedures
• Appropriate escalation
• Professional phone and email etiquette
• Basic computer skills
• Microsoft Outlook and Excel
• Ability to learn Epicor (ERP system)

More About Us

Cates Control Systems was founded over 40 years ago and is a systems integration company that partners with manufacturing firms to develop and implement automation solutions to increase production, improve quality and reduce costs. Our customers are extremely diverse and spread all over North America (and a few internationally). Our customers make roofing shingles, fry potato chips, roast coffee, process poultry and beef, distill water, bottle apple juice, and ship all over the world.

Cates is committed to delivering quality solutions that we stand behind through service and support. Our vision is to positively impact the lives of others. We are a fun, friendly company with a strong family atmosphere and 12 core principles that guide us at every step in our success. Our culture is firmly rooted in the values of honesty, integrity, commitment, and reliability.