Buyer

Work Location Type Hybrid Location(s) Bismarck, North Dakota, United States St. Joseph, Minnesota, United States West Fargo, North Dakota, United States Fairmont, Minnesota, United States Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States Job Description Job Summary: As a Buyer at Midco, you will be responsible for purchasing materials, products, and services to support our Fulfillment Centers. You will manage purchase orders, maintain item and vendor data integrity, and monitor vendor performance to ensure favorable costs, high-quality supplies, and reliable service. Your role involves coordinating with internal teams and vendors to support sourcing activities, product lifecycle management, procurement processes, and data-driven decision making. You will contribute to cost savings, risk mitigation, and operational efficiency through vendor collaboration, analysis, and continuous improvement efforts. Depending on your level, you will either assist with or independently manage projects and initiatives and may train and mentor team members. This is a Hybrid position working from the office 3 days per week and can be located within the Midco footprint of KS, MN, ND, SD, or WI. Individuals located outside of this area must be willing to relocate to within the footprint. Responsibilities: Purchase materials, supplies, products, and services to support the organization while balancing cost, quality, availability, and business needs. Track purchases and maintain a high level of accuracy and data integrity for purchase orders, vendor records, and procurement-related transactions. Manage item and product data throughout the lifecycle, including item creation, maintenance of attributes, product changes, and end-of-life planning. Monitor and maintain item data integrity across procurement and supply chain systems, identifying and escalating issues as appropriate. Monitor vendor performance, quality, and service levels while maintaining accurate vendor information. Assist in qualifying vendors, products, and services to support business and operational requirements. Evaluate pricing changes and support negotiations for goods and services to achieve favorable business outcomes. Develop and maintain effective vendor relationships through regular communication and collaboration. Communicate vendor performance concerns, market conditions, risks, and opportunities to leadership and relevant stakeholders to support planning and decision-making. Collaborate with vendors and internal stakeholders to evaluate, introduce, modify, or discontinue products, materials, and services. Coordinate efforts with internal stakeholders regarding material forecasts, inventory requirements, invoice discrepancies, shipment schedules, sourcing initiatives, product transitions, and procurement escalations. Support benchmark analysis, risk assessments, vendor evaluations, and contract renegotiation efforts through research, reporting, and data analysis. Partner with Operations, Finance, IT, Safety, Fulfillment Centers, and other stakeholders to support procurement activities, product transitions, and supply chain initiatives. Assist the Category Manager in coordinating and communicating product, sourcing, and supplier updates, ensuring stakeholders are informed of inventory implications, ordering processes, and implementation schedules. Participate in cross-functional teams to identify and implement opportunities for cost savings, efficiency improvements, risk mitigation, and quality enhancements. Support and participate in procurement and supply chain initiatives that improve customer experience, operational effectiveness, and financial performance. Support procurement, sourcing, and supply chain projects through data analysis, coordination of activities, stakeholder communication, and execution of assigned deliverables. Train and mentor team members as appropriate based on role level and experience. Model Midco’s mission, vision, values, ethos, and Leadership Success Drivers, and inspire others to do the same. Ensure customer privacy by adhering to Midco’s privacy guidelines while actively following Midco policies and procedures. Maintain reliable and predictable attendance as required by the position. Perform other duties as assigned. Note: Management reserves the right to assign or reassign functions and responsibilities to this job description at any time. Required Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent (GED). Experience working with purchasing, inventory management, supply chain operations, vendor management, customer service, fulfillment operations, or related business functions. Ability to maintain accurate records and manage multiple priorities with attention to detail. Experience using an ERP system, purchasing software, inventory management system, or the ability to quickly learn new technology. Proficiency or ability to learn Microsoft 365 applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Effective written and verbal communication skills. Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with vendors and internal stakeholders. Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, operations management, business-related field, or equivalent work experience. Prior experience in the telecommunications industry. The hiring range for this position is $54,000 - $90,000. This pay range is inclusive of multiple job levels. The actual base pay offered to the most qualified individual will be determined based on multiple factors including the level of job offered, internal equity, location, and the individual’s job-related knowledge, skills and experience. This position may be hourly or salary dependent on the level offered and may be eligible for additional compensation such as overtime. In addition to base pay, this position is eligible for an annual bonus plan based on company and/or individual performance. Team Members will be assigned a level based on the required experience and training. Advancement is sequential and contingent upon successful completion of all requirements at the preceding level, including certifications, proficiency tests, and time-in-role or equivalent experience where applicable. Buyer I 6 months to 2 years of experience in purchasing, inventory management, supply chain operations, customer service, fulfillment, operations support, or related business functions. Basic understanding of purchasing processes and vendor interactions. Ability to maintain vendor relationships through regular communication. Experience using business systems, ERP platforms, or inventory management tools, or ability to learn quickly. Proficiency or ability to learn Microsoft 365 applications. Buyer II Buyer I requirements met or equivalent experience. 3 years of purchasing, procurement, supply chain, inventory management, or related experience. Experience negotiating pricing, delivery, or service terms with vendors. Intermediate proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft 365 applications. Ability to identify cost-saving opportunities and procurement efficiencies. Ability to support projects and initiatives with limited guidance. Assist with onboarding, training, or mentoring team members. Buyer III Buyer II requirements met or equivalent experience. 6 or more years of purchasing, procurement, supply chain, inventory management, or related experience. Demonstrated success negotiating contracts, pricing, service agreements, or supplier relationships. Advanced proficiency with ERP systems, data analysis, and Microsoft 365 applications. Ability to identify business risks and develop mitigation strategies related to suppliers, inventory, or procurement activities. Independently lead projects and process improvement initiatives. Serve as a subject matter expert and mentor for other team members. Develop strategic vendor relationships that drive long-term value, innovation, service improvements, and cost savings. Work Environment: The noise level in the work environment is moderate. Work is primarily performed in a professional office environment and/or remote work setting, depending on business needs. May be required to work in excess of 40 hours per week and other than normal business hours, such as holidays, evenings and weekends as business demands. Physical Demands: May occasionally be required to reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, or crouch. May be required to remain in a seated position for extended periods. May occasionally lift or move items such as materials, equipment, or supplies. Heavy keyboard/mouse usage required with repetitive movements. Mental Demands: Maintain concentration and attention to detail while performing work that requires accuracy, consistency, and data integrity. Effectively manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and changing demands in a fast-paced environment. Exercise sound judgment and make timely decisions based on available information and established guidelines. Retain, recall, and apply information, procedures, and instructions necessary to perform assigned responsibilities. Communicate and interact professionally and effectively with team members, leaders, vendors, customers, and other stakeholders. Analyze information, identify issues, and develop practical solutions to support business objectives. Adapt to changing priorities, processes, systems, and business needs while maintaining productivity and effectiveness. Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Benefits Summary Free Midco internet and TV Generous 401(k) match and paid time away from work programs Midco-provided short and long term disability insurance Midco contributions to your HSA Programs to support your physical, mental, emotional and financial wellbeing And many more About Midco Midco offers the most reliable wholly owned and operated fiber network spanning 17,000 miles. We are a telecommunications leader that is redefining connectivity while being a force for good in the communities we serve. We serve nearly 500,000 homes and businesses in more than 400 communities in Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Our 1,900 team members work together with integrity, creating a caring culture for a lasting impact. Ready to work at Midco? We thought so. Visit Midco.com/Careers to learn about employment opportunities and apply today. Midco is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, familial status, membership or activity in a local commission, or any other characteristic protected by law. To view our full EEO and federal contractor supplemental posters, please refer to Midco.com/Federal Posters. #J-18808-Ljbffr Midco