Buyer

Buyer

Under the direction of the Procurement Category Manager, the Buyer is responsible for managing the procurement of production and development materials, components, and services that support new product development and manufacturing operations. This role requires a proactive, detail-oriented professional who can effectively manage supplier relationships, purchase order execution, understands inventory parameters, and sourcing activities while ensuring optimal quality, delivery, cost, and service performance. The Buyer works closely with Engineering, Planning, Manufacturing, Quality, Accounting, and Supply Chain teams to ensure material availability, support product launches, and help support continuous improvement throughout the supply chain.

Extensive ERP/MRP experience is required. SAP experience is strongly preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Supplier Management

• Manage the day-to-day performance of a group of suppliers
• Maintain strong supplier relationships and act as the primary point of contact
• Monitor supplier capacity to proactively identify and mitigate supply risks.
• Support new supplier onboarding
• Support supplier development initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.

Procurement

• Create, maintain, and manage purchase orders within the ERP system.
• Ensure timely order placement and delivery to support new product launches and inventory objectives.
• Report delivery status, issues and propose solutions

Sourcing & Cost Management

• Develop and issue Requests for Quotation (RFQs) and Requests for Proposal (RFPs).
• Analyze supplier quotations and make sourcing recommendations based on cost, quality, capacity, lead time, and risk considerations.
• Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, and commercial terms when appropriate.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Engineering teams to support prototype, pre-production, and production launch activities for purchase and subcontract requirements.
• Participate in supporting new product introduction (NPI) and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Escalate critical supply issues and drive resolution through cross-functional teams.

Internal Partners: Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, Planning, Quality, Transportation, Accounting/Finance, Receiving and Warehouse Personnel, and Sales and Marketing

External Partners: Supplier Representatives and Management Teams, and Service Providers Up to

• Up to 10% travel may be required

Education, Experience, and Competencies:

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations Management, Finance, or a related field preferred. Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

Experience:

• 3-5 years of procurement, purchasing, supply chain, manufacturing, or related experience required. Understanding of procurement processes, supplier contracts, and commercial terms.
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting Engineering or New Product Development activities preferred.
• Strong ERP/MRP system experience required. SAP experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with purchase order management, supplier relationship management, and sourcing activities required.
• Experience and knowledge with metal injection molded, springs, metal stampings, plastic injection molding and machining and subcontract suppliers.

Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Takes ownership and accountability for results.
• Customer-focused with a strong sense of urgency.
• Highly detail-oriented and accurate.
• Ethical, trustworthy, and professional.
• Self-motivated with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Ambitious with a desire to learn and grow.
• Comfortable working independently while contributing to team success.
• Willing to engage directly with internal stakeholders and shop floor personnel to resolve issues.

Physical Requirements

• Primarily works in an office environment.
• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally move and lift items weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to walk throughout manufacturing and warehouse facilities as needed.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Work Environment and Personal Protective Equipment:

Within any of our facilities, employees may be exposed to manufacturing noise, airborne liquid chemicals, fine particulate dust, ambient temperatures, and industrial lighting. Work environment is similar to most manufacturing and distribution operations. May be exposed to excessive noise, temperatures, hazards associated with working around moving machinery, work in confined quarters, exposure to vibrations and shop lighting, continuous exposure to hot temperatures, may be humid, odors, dust, continuous exposure to mechanical hazards, and occasional exposure to chemical hazards.

The following Personal Protective Equipment is required:

Safety glasses with side shields and hearing protection required when on manufacturing floor

The use of additional personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required when a job task(s) is being completed in or around your assigned department or in another department, this includes safety eyewear, hearing protection, and safety footwear.

Who We Are:

Since 1852 Smith & Wesson has empowered Americans with the freedom, equality, and security promised by the Declaration of Independence and guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. It is this sense of safety and security that frees us to pursue our goals and dreams, define our future, and fulfill the promise of America.

Benefits:

Health, Dental & Vision

Prescription Drug Coverage

Employee Assistance Program

Group Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Investment 401K Plan & Profit Sharing

Discounted Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Paid Vacation, Holidays & Winter Shutdown

Tuition Assistance Program

Employee Product Discounts

Service Awards

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Updated 10/8/2026