Job Description

Position Summary

The Buyer is responsible for purchasing raw materials, supplies, components, and other items necessary to support manufacturing operations and business needs. This role manages purchase orders, coordinates with suppliers to ensure timely delivery, negotiates pricing and purchasing terms, and maintains effective supplier relationships. The Buyer works closely with internal departments to ensure purchasing activities align with production requirements, quality standards, cost objectives, and company policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Procurement and Supplier Management
• Create, issue, and manage purchase orders in accordance with established purchasing procedures and business requirements.
• Purchase raw materials, supplies, components, and other materials required to support production and daily operations.
• Obtain and evaluate supplier quotations to ensure competitive pricing, quality, and delivery terms.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, lead times, and other purchasing conditions with new and existing suppliers.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with suppliers to support reliable service and timely deliveries.
• Identify and evaluate potential suppliers based on cost, quality, delivery performance, and business needs.
• Monitor open purchase orders and follow up with suppliers regarding order confirmations, delivery schedules, and potential delays.
• Resolve purchasing discrepancies, including incorrect quantities, pricing errors, damaged materials, and late deliveries.
• Coordinate the return or replacement of defective or nonconforming materials with suppliers and appropriate internal departments.
• Cost Management and Process Improvement
• Identify opportunities to reduce purchasing costs while maintaining quality and delivery requirements.
• Monitor supplier pricing and communicate cost increases or changes that may affect company expenses.
• Negotiate with suppliers to minimize price increases and improve purchasing terms.
• Evaluate alternative suppliers and sourcing options to support cost savings and supply continuity.
• Review purchasing practices and recommend process improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Support company cost-reduction initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.
• Documentation and Compliance
• Maintain accurate purchase orders, supplier records, quotations, pricing information, and other procurement documentation.
• Ensure purchasing transactions are entered accurately and maintained in the company’s ERP or purchasing system.
• Verify order details, including quantities, pricing, delivery dates, and supplier information.
• Ensure purchasing activities follow company policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Maintain appropriate documentation related to supplier performance, purchasing decisions, and material concerns.

Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; an associate or bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of purchasing, buying, or procurement experience required, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience working with suppliers, purchase orders, pricing negotiations, and delivery coordination.
• Familiarity with ERP systems or purchasing software required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Strong understanding of purchasing processes, supplier management, and procurement practices.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate records.

Personal Attributes

• High level of integrity and accountability.
• Strong negotiation and decision-making skills.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and proactive.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective supplier relationships.
• Cost-conscious mindset with a focus on value and efficiency.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and customer service.

Physical Demands

This position requires regular time in manufacturing areas, which may involve standing, walking, and exposure to machinery and production environments. Eye, ear, and footwear protection are required in designated areas.