Buyer

Job Description

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Buyer to support sourcing, purchasing, supplier management, and material availability for manufacturing operations. This role will be responsible for procuring raw materials, components, electronics, custom parts, and services while ensuring on-time delivery, quality standards, appropriate inventory levels, and cost objectives are achieved. The Buyer will work closely with suppliers and cross-functional teams including Production, Planning, Engineering, Accounts Payable, and Quality to support production schedules and resolve supply chain issues.

Responsibilities

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• Execute purchase orders for direct and indirect materials based on demand, forecasts, and replenishment requirements.
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• Procure raw materials, electronics, custom components, and other materials required to support production operations.
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• Select, evaluate, and manage supplier relationships to support quality, cost, and delivery objectives.
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• Maintain and support the Approved Supplier List and supplier qualification processes.
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• Conduct supplier performance reviews and maintain supplier scorecards.
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• Support new supplier onboarding, qualification, and documentation processes.
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• Negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, and other commercial conditions to achieve cost savings and maximize value.
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• Monitor open purchase orders and proactively follow up with suppliers regarding delivery status.
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• Expedite critical or delayed materials to prevent production shortages and production interruptions.
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• Identify potential supply issues and communicate risks to appropriate internal stakeholders.
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• Maintain accurate purchasing information within the MRP system, including supplier information, lead times, minimum order quantities, planning parameters, and pricing.
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• Support inventory accuracy initiatives and assist with cycle count variance resolution.
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• Work closely with Production, Planning, Engineering, Accounts Payable, Quality, and other departments to align purchasing activities with production schedules and business requirements.
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• Resolve purchase order, invoice, material, and supplier discrepancies.
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• Support Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and ensure purchasing activities align with approved engineering changes.
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• Understand and adhere to applicable quality standards, purchasing procedures, and company policies.
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• Support compliance with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and other applicable quality and regulatory requirements.
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• Assist with import compliance, supplier documentation, and other regulatory requirements as needed.
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• Track and support supply chain metrics, including Supplier On-Time Delivery, Purchase Price Variance, inventory performance, and other procurement-related metrics.
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• Identify purchasing and supply chain issues and present potential solutions to appropriate personnel.
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• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean and Kaizen activities.
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• Maintain professional and collaborative relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
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• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
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Qualifications

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• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations, or a related field preferred; equivalent professional experience may be considered.
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• Minimum of 3–5 years of purchasing or procurement experience, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
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• Experience working in a metal stamping, metal forming, or similar manufacturing environment preferred.
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• Strong understanding of purchasing, procurement, supplier management, and manufacturing supply chain processes.
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• Experience working with MRP or ERP systems; JDE experience preferred.
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• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including PivotTables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data analysis, and reporting.
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• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and related manufacturing documentation.
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• Strong negotiation, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
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• Demonstrated ability to manage supplier relationships and address delivery, quality, and cost issues.
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• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills.
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• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and proactively address supply chain risks.
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• High level of attention to detail and accuracy when managing purchasing and inventory data.
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• APICS or CPSM certification preferred.
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