Materials Buyer

King Technology is a Minnesota-based innovator that designs and manufactures smart water care solutions for pools and hot tubs. Known for its patented technologies and purpose-driven culture, King Technology is committed to making water care easier while "Enriching Lives Daily" for customers, employees, and communities.

King Technology is seeking a Materials Buyer. This position is responsible for ensuring uninterrupted material supply to support production schedules and customer demand. This role plays a critical part in maintaining supply continuity by proactively managing purchase orders, supplier performance, and material risks across a dynamic and fast-paced manufacturing environment.

The position works closely with Production Planning, Suppliers, and Cross-Functional teams to identify potential shortages, drive recovery actions, and maintain accurate system parameters to enable effective planning and execution.

Essential Functions:

• Execute and manage purchase orders in line with APS/MRP signals and production requirements
• Expedite or reschedule orders based on changing demand and production priorities
• Monitor supplier confirmations and ensure alignment to required delivery dates
• Manage day-to-day supplier relationships to ensure service, quality, and delivery expectations are met
• Track supplier performance and support corrective actions where needed
• Challenge supplier commitments and ensure realistic and achievable delivery plans
• Maintain accurate supplier and material data in ERP (Infor / SyteLine, SAP, Oracle, or similar), e.g. lead times, MOQ, pricing, order multiples
• Participate in supply review discussions and operational alignment forums
• Ensure materials are delivered on time and in full to support production schedules
• Proactively identify material shortages and supply risks before impacting production
• Develop and drive recovery plans in collaboration with suppliers and internal teams
• Escalate critical risks with clear mitigation actions and timelines
• Maintain visibility of high-risk components across key SKUs and BOM structures
• Support issue resolution related to delays, shortages, or quality concerns
• Partner closely with Production Planning and Senior Supply Planning to align material priorities with production schedules
• Support New Product Development (NPD), packaging changes, and product transitions
• Communicate supply risks, delays, and recovery plans clearly to stakeholders
• Support continuous improvement of APS/MRP parameters to improve planning accuracy
• Ensure data integrity to enable effective supply planning and inventory management
• Support inventory strategies by balancing supply availability with inventory targets
• Provide input into safety stock decisions for critical materials
• Identify excess, slow-moving, or at-risk materials and support mitigation actions
• Other duties as assigned

Key Competencies:

• Bias for Action: Responds quickly to supply risks and operational challenges
• Problem Solving: Identifies issues early and drives practical solutions
• Communication: Clear, proactive, and confident in stakeholder engagement
• Supplier Management: Builds strong relationships while holding suppliers accountable
• Resilience: Thrives in a fast-paced, changing environment
• Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy in orders, data, and follow-ups

Job Qualifications:

• Minimum five (3-5) years supply chain and purchasing experience with bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain or Purchasing or related field required.
• Ability to function effectively in a results-oriented, fast-paced growth environment.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions while working with changing priorities and competing demands
• Ability to effectively present information, data, recommendations to all levels
• High attention to detail; analytical and strong critical thinking skills
• Strong experience with ERP/APS/MRP systems (Infor/SyteLine preferred, SAP or similar)
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office tools
• Some travel required
• Embrace and foster company values of Integrity, Excellence, People Chemistry, Golden Rule, Courage and Servant-Leadership.

What's it like at King Technology?

Our culture is a result of our Mission, Vision, and Values. They are a way of life. Our employees live these out every day in small acts of kindness and overarching attitudes at every level of the company. You'll see people with Integrity. People with Courage. People who mirror our business values of Excellence, Servant-Leadership and Innovation, and enrich everyone's lives by adding their own uniqueness to our company's culture.

Join us at King Technology and help shape a culture where people, purpose, and innovation thrive together.