Buyer

Department: Planning and Procurement

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Export

Reporting To: Jason Emerick

Description

Key Responsibilities

• Manage inventory balances to optimize and support supply chain requirements.
• Initiate and amend purchase orders for parts, services, and special tools; coordinate submission and inspection of sample products as required.
• Maintain close coordination with plant and internal teams to ensure timely execution of product sourcing activities.
• Secure and analyze supplier quotations; negotiate prices and terms; recommend suppliers based on cost, quality, and delivery performance.
• Review MRP results and take appropriate actions, including creating, releasing, and confirming purchase orders.
• Enter and maintain planning parameters and vendor master data in the ERP system.
• Communicate quality notifications to vendors and create purchase return orders for discrepant materials.
• Manage supplier and commodity performance to meet company and individual metrics, applying procurement strategies and mitigating supply chain risk.
• Coordinate quality issues, engineering changes, and product developments between the company and suppliers.
• Act as the primary representative between internal departments and suppliers.
• Study market prices, trends, engineering developments, and manufacturing improvements; provide recommendations in collaboration with senior buyers or the director of purchasing.
• Interview and evaluate current and prospective suppliers regarding supply capabilities, logistics, inventory control, and negotiate pricing and delivery terms as guided by senior leadership.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Strong problem-solving and process analysis abilities; capable of troubleshooting and resolving issues in high-pressure situations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with employees, customers, and vendors at all organizational levels.
• Firm commitment to customer service excellence in all circumstances.
• Experience with production and inventory control procedures, shipping and receiving, transport insurance, and loss/breakage control.
• Exceptional time-management skills; able to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills; able to make timely, informed decisions.
• Self-motivated, resourceful, and adaptable; able to work independently while contributing to a team-focused environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365; experience with ERP systems such as Epicor or SAP preferred.