Material Buyer
Responsibilities:
- Identify and evaluate potential suppliers, assessing their capabilities, reliability, and pricing competitiveness.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors, negotiating contracts, terms, and pricing agreements.
- Monitor supplier scorecard performance, quality, and delivery times, addressing any issues or concerns promptly.
- Review purchase requirements to determine the most suitable sourcing strategy.
- Conduct market research and analysis to identify trends, pricing fluctuations, and new potential suppliers.
- Generate purchase orders, ensuring accuracy in quantities, specifications, and delivery dates.
- Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment of procurement activities with operational needs.
- Analyze pricing proposals, quotations, and bids from suppliers to identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Negotiate favorable terms, discounts, and payment schedules to optimize procurement costs.
- Track and report on cost savings initiatives
- Collaborate with inventory management and warehouse teams to maintain optimal inventory levels.
- Monitor inventory turnover rates, stock levels, and lead time to prevent stockouts and excess inventory. Verify in stock quantities of various parts.
- Work closely with suppliers to implement vendor-managed inventory (VMI) or just-in-time (JIT) strategies as appropriate.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, procurement regulations, and ethical standards.
- Stay updated on industry regulations, import/export requirements, and sustainability practices.
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, such as supplier disruptions, geopolitical issues, or quality concerns.
- Maintain accurate records of purchase transactions, contracts, and vendor communications.
- Prepare reports and analytics on procurement activities, supplier performance, and cost savings initiatives.
- Provide regular updates and insights to management regarding procurement status, trends, and potential risks
- Always adhere to safety procedures and guidelines, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and proper handling of hazardous materials.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
- A supportive and collaborative work environment where your contributions are valued.
Requirements:
- 1-3 years’ experience as a buyer or procurement specialist, preferably in a manufacturer.
- Ability to read and interpret detailed technical (Blueprints) drawings to specifications to source parts and material requirements with the Bill of Materials (BOM).
- Strong negotiation skills and the ability to build and maintain effective supplier relationships.
- Proficiency in ERP systems, procurement software, and Microsoft Office applications.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
- Attention to detail and accuracy in managing purchase orders and documentation.
- Problem-solving abilities and the capacity to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Knowledge of procurement best practices and sourcing strategies.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing business needs and willingness to take initiative in driving process improvements.
Physical requirements:
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
- Frequent typing, data entry, and phone use
- Ability to visually interpret technical drawings and detailed specifications
- Ability to review and analyze printed and digital technical documentation
- Ability to move around the office and production floor as needed
- Occasional walking through manufacturing areas
- Ability to climb stairs
- Occasionally lift and/or move up to 15–25 pounds
- Occasionally bending, squatting, stooping
Environmental Conditions
- Exposure to manufacturing environment which includes dust and noise
- Required to wear PPE when on production floor (safety glasses and steel-toe shoes)
- May be exposed to temperature variations in plant environment