Strategic Sourcing Buyer — Metals, Hardware & Packaging

Strategic Sourcing Buyer — Metals, Hardware & Packaging

Location: Mendota Heights, MN

Department: Production Planning & Control

Reporting To: Master Scheduler

Type: Full-time

A day in your work boots

You start the morning reviewing demand signals in the ERP and translating them into accurate purchase orders. A quick check of open orders reveals a delayed shipment — you jump on the phone, expedite the delivery, and arrange a temporary substitution so production stays on track. Mid-morning, you sit down with planning and production to review priorities and align on inventory targets. After lunch, you meet a new supplier on-site to evaluate capabilities, compare quotes, and negotiate pricing tiers. You wrap the day by updating vendor scorecards, tracking sourcing metrics, and scanning market data to forecast high-volume materials — always balancing availability with cost and avoiding excess stock.

What you will own

• Initiate, prepare, process, and verify purchase orders in line with company procedures.
• Expedite late shipments; resolve changes, returns, replacements, and credits.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to review requisitions, material needs, and priorities.
• Coordinate closely with production, planning, and cross-functional teams to meet procurement needs.
• Maintain precise records of purchasing activity, communications, and contracts.
• Evaluate suppliers on price, quality, delivery, responsiveness, and scorecard performance.
• Conduct on-site supplier visits; assess capabilities, products, services, and pricing.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers to diversify and strengthen the supply base.
• Engage at supplier meetings, trade shows, and industry events to track market trends.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms to secure savings and favorable agreements.
• Analyze market trends and pricing proposals for competitive sourcing decisions.
• Track and report key purchasing metrics to drive efficiency and reduce costs.
• Monitor inventory to ensure availability while preventing overstock.
• Support JIT initiatives, inventory reduction, and purchasing consolidation.
• Forecast quantities and delivery requirements for high-volume materials.
• Follow all safety, medical, OSHA, and ISO compliance requirements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Who thrives here

• Negotiators who consistently secure advantageous pricing and terms.
• Analytical thinkers comfortable with market data, proposals, and financial inputs.
• Procurement pros who understand end-to-end buying and supplier management.
• Contract-savvy team members who ensure adherence to agreements.
• Inventory and demand planners who balance availability and working capital.
• Detail-driven doers who keep documentation accurate and organized.
• Resourceful problem solvers who adapt to supply chain challenges.
• Clear communicators across suppliers and internal teams.
• Time managers who excel in fast-paced, deadline-driven settings.
• Decision-makers who act quickly with sound judgment.
• ERP and Microsoft Office users who are confident and efficient.
• Collaborators with strong interpersonal skills and a safety-first mindset.

Preferred background

• APICS certification (CPIM, CSCP, or similar) preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field preferred.
• 3+ years of purchasing/procurement in a manufacturing environment.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Hands-on buying of raw materials: stainless steel, aluminum, cold roll, hot roll, bar stock, hardware, and packaging materials.
• Strong knowledge of material specifications and tolerances.
• Experience managing vendor scorecards and holding suppliers accountable for quality, delivery, pricing, compliance, and responsiveness.
• ERP proficiency (JobBOSS experience preferred).
• Advanced Microsoft Outlook and Excel skills.
• Experience in a manufacturing or job shop production environment preferred.

Physical demands

• Ability to see, hear, and maintain visual focus for detailed work.
• Frequent standing, walking, and movement during the workday.
• Regular use of hands for handling, reaching, and operating office equipment.
• Physical and mental stamina to maintain focus and accuracy over long shifts.
• Lift up to 25 lbs regularly and up to 50 lbs occasionally.

Why you will love it here

You will be a key member of a collaborative production and planning team, shaping cost and inventory strategies that keep manufacturing successful. You will work closely with suppliers and internal partners, contribute to continuous improvement, and grow within a stable, growth-oriented environment.

Tools and proficiencies

• ERP & MRP systems (ERP software; JobBOSS preferred)
• Microsoft Excel and Outlook
• Supply chain management
• Sourcing and procurement
• Supplier and contract negotiation
• High School diploma or GED

Location: Saint Paul MN