Buyer

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Position Summary

The Buyer is responsible for procuring raw materials, components, equipment, and services that support manufacturing, distribution, and operational activities across the Viant family of companies. This position works closely with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations, Inventory Control, and Finance to ensure materials are purchased cost-effectively and delivered on time to meet production and customer requirements.

The Buyer manages supplier relationships, negotiates pricing and delivery terms, monitors supplier performance, and identifies opportunities to improve quality, reduce costs, and strengthen the overall supply chain. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

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Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Procurement & Purchasing

• Source and procure raw materials, components, equipment, tooling, and indirect materials from approved suppliers.
• Create, review, issue, and manage purchase orders utilizing the Company's ERP/MRP system.
• Monitor open purchase orders to ensure timely delivery of materials and proactively resolve delivery issues.
• Maintain purchasing records, supplier pricing, contracts, and procurement documentation.
• Ensure purchasing activities comply with company policies and procurement procedures.

Supplier Management

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, and service agreements to maximize value.
• Evaluate supplier performance related to quality, delivery, responsiveness, and overall reliability.
• Partner with suppliers to resolve shortages, quality concerns, and delivery challenges.
• Assist with supplier qualification, onboarding, and performance improvement initiatives.

Supply Chain Collaboration

• Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations, Inventory Control, and Sales to support material requirements.
• Coordinate material purchases to maintain uninterrupted production and customer deliveries.
• Communicate material availability, supplier constraints, and purchasing updates to internal stakeholders.
• Support new product introductions by sourcing materials and qualifying suppliers.

Cost Management & Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities for cost reductions through strategic sourcing, supplier consolidation, and contract negotiations.
• Analyze purchasing trends and recommend improvements to increase efficiency and reduce overall procurement costs.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within Supply Chain and Procurement.
• Participate in cross-functional projects that improve purchasing processes and supplier performance.

Inventory Support

• Monitor inventory levels and purchase materials to maintain appropriate stock while minimizing excess inventory.
• Assist with inventory accuracy initiatives and supplier-managed inventory programs when applicable.
• Work with Supply Chain leadership to support inventory optimization strategies.

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate supplier master data and purchasing information within the ERP system.
• Prepare purchasing reports, supplier performance metrics, and spend analyses as requested.
• Stay current on market conditions, supplier capabilities, and industry trends.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Education & Experience

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of purchasing or procurement experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or distribution environment.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems.
• Experience negotiating with suppliers and managing vendor relationships.

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Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of procurement and supply chain best practices.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and purchased components.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficient with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments.
• Demonstrated customer service mindset with both internal and external stakeholders.

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Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and use hands repetitively
• Occasionally lift up to 35 lbs.
• May require bending, stooping, and reaching
• Combination of office and manufacturing floor environment
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception