Buyer

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS / ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

•    Plan and execute procurement of finished goods and raw materials 
•    Maintain strong working relationships and communications directly with the Suppliers to confirm production/shipping schedules and monitor open purchase orders to ensure 
      on-time deliveries 
•    Establish and develop strategic supplier relationships to improve cost, quality, service, and overall supply chain performance
•    Analyze daily, weekly, and annual demand trends to develop purchasing plans, create purchase orders, manage supplier returns, and resolve receiving and invoice discrepancies
•    Source and procure materials in support of manufacturing operations, including metal components, fabricated parts, and other assigned commodity categories
•    Support supplier negotiations, contract reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives
•    Proactively report product and material availability issues
•    Maintain purchase order status and shipment tracking information in ERP system
•    Coordinate inventory planning and replenishment of raw materials, components and finished goods
•    Perform cost analysis, support make/buy decisions, and drive cost reduction initiatives
•    Work collaboratively with Sales, Marketing, Design, Project Management, Shipping and CS in a fast paced, detail-oriented environment
•    Complete special projects and assignments as requested

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

•    Proficient in Microsoft Office, with advanced Excel skills preferred
•    Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills
•    Strong analytical, planning and problem-solving skills
•    Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and follow-through
•    Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
•    Team-oriented with a high level of customer focus
•    Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and sound business judgment
•    Working knowledge of supply chain management, inventory control, forecasting, and procurement best practices
•    Strong written and verbal communication skills
•    Self-starter with the ability to work independently, adapt quickly to changing priorities, and meet deadlines
•    Experience analyzing supplier performance, cost drivers, and inventory requirements
•    Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and purchasing analytics preferred

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

•    Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, or a related field
•    CPM, CPSM, CPIM, APICS, or other relevant professional certification preferred
•    2–5 years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment
•    Experience sourcing and purchasing raw materials, components, and finished goods
•    Experience purchasing sheet metal, aluminum, cold rolled steel (CRS), and other metal-based manufacturing commodities, with demonstrated experience working directly with metal fabricators, machining suppliers, and other industrial manufacturing suppliers strongly preferred
•    Experience with Epicor ERP 
•    Proven ability to negotiate pricing, lead times, and supplier agreements while maintaining quality and service expectations