Plant Buyer

Position Summary

We are seeking a Plant Buyer to support purchasing and inventory management activities within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for managing direct and indirect material procurement, maintaining inventory levels, supporting supplier relationships, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure uninterrupted production.

The ideal candidate has strong analytical skills, purchasing experience, and a solid understanding of supply chain operations within an ERP environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Purchase direct and indirect materials, supplies, equipment, and services.
• Source new suppliers and support strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Process purchase requisitions and purchase orders accurately and on time.
• Expedite and de-expedite purchase orders as needed.
• Monitor supplier performance, delivery schedules, and inventory levels.
• Resolve purchasing and material availability issues.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Production Planning, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to ensure uninterrupted material flow.
• Prepare purchasing reports, analyze data, and recommend process improvements.
• Manage shortages and communicate delivery issues with internal stakeholders.
• Calculate safety stock levels and reorder points.
• Improve inventory turns and reduce excess inventory using inventory management techniques.
• Identify and manage obsolete and slow-moving inventory.
• Support Kanban implementation for applicable product categories.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities throughout the supply chain.
• Ensure supplier compliance with contractual obligations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related technical field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant purchasing experience will be considered.

Experience

• 3+ years of purchasing or procurement experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with sourcing and supplier management.
• Strong understanding of inventory management principles.

Technical Skills

• Experience working within MRP/ERP systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Experience with SAP or Acumatica is a plus.

Required Skills

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments.

Core Competencies

Communication & Collaboration

• Builds strong working relationships across departments.
• Communicates clearly and professionally.
• Promotes teamwork and cross-functional collaboration.

Self-Management

• Takes initiative and works independently.
• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability.
• Maintains a high level of performance under pressure.
• Accepts feedback and continually develops professionally.

Professionalism

• Demonstrates sound judgment and decision-making.
• Maintains current knowledge of purchasing and supply chain best practices.
• Understands project management fundamentals.
• Identifies opportunities for process improvement.
• Follows workplace safety standards.

Leadership

• Sets and works toward ambitious but achievable goals.
• Takes ownership of decisions and follows through on commitments.

Physical Requirements

• Regular use of a computer workstation.
• Ability to inspect materials and manufacturing processes as needed.
• Ability to evaluate supplier and inventory performance through plant observations.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing environment with a climate-controlled office setting.
• Frequent collaboration with production, planning, quality, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.