Buyer II

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Purchase raw materials, machined components, fabricated parts, tooling, MRO supplies, and subcontracted services required for manufacturing operations.
• Analyze MRP (Material Requirements Planning) reports and production schedules to determine purchasing requirements.
• Issue purchase orders and monitor supplier performance regarding quality, pricing, delivery, and responsiveness.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, lead times, and supply agreements to achieve cost savings and operational efficiencies.
• Develop and maintain relationships with approved suppliers and identify alternative sources to mitigate supply chain risks.
• Coordinate with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Inventory teams to resolve shortages, quality issues, and supplier performance concerns.
• Review inventory levels and purchasing trends to ensure adequate material availability while minimizing excess inventory.
• Support new product introductions by sourcing materials and evaluating supplier capabilities.
• Track and expedite critical orders to ensure uninterrupted production.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance regarding supplier corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in supplier audits, evaluations, and performance reviews.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, vendor files, and system data within the ERP system.
• Monitor market conditions, material costs, and industry trends impacting procurement activities.
• Prepare reports and analyses regarding spending, supplier performance, and inventory management.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.

• Perform other duties, assignments and special projects as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field required. Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a formal degree.

Experience

• 5-7 minimum years of purchasing or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and ERP/MRP systems; experience with JD Edwards is highly desirable.
• Experience supporting machining, fabrication, assembly, or industrial equipment manufacturing preferred.
• Experience purchasing steel, aluminum, castings, machined components, tooling, hydraulics, pumps, motors, bearings, or industrial equipment components is highly desirable.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPIM, CPSM, or CSCP certification.
• Experience managing supplier scorecards and strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality systems.

Skills

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, machining operations, and production planning.
• Knowledge of purchasing principles, inventory management, and supplier relationship management.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), and specifications.
• Strong negotiation and cost-analysis skills.
• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, complemented by strong analytical, negotiation, follow-through, and accuracy capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use a computer for extended periods.
• Occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to be present and available in the manufacturing and warehouse areas of the facility on a regular basis.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On-time supplier delivery performance.
• Inventory turns and inventory accuracy.
• Cost savings and cost avoidance achieved.
• Purchase order accuracy.
• Supplier quality metrics.
• Material availability and production support performance.
• Reduction in expedited freight costs.