Buyer

Job Description:

Buyer

Reports To: Supply Chain Manager

Job Summary

The Buyer is responsible for procuring the materials, components, supplies, and equipment required to support business operations. This role focuses on executing the procurement process, including supplier selection, purchase order management, vendor communication, price negotiations, inventory support, and ERP system maintenance. The Buyer works closely with internal teams and suppliers to ensure the timely availability of materials while maintaining quality, cost, and delivery expectations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Identify and evaluate vendors for materials, components, supplies, and equipment required by the business.

Obtain quotations, analyze pricing and lead times, and negotiate favorable terms to achieve the best overall value.

Review material requirements from internal departments and create purchase orders within the ERP system.

Communicate with suppliers to confirm receipt of purchase orders and ensure adherence to required delivery dates.

Calculate and maintain appropriate purchase quantities for stocked inventory items.

Monitor open purchase orders and proactively follow up with suppliers to meet delivery commitments and expedite orders when necessary.

Resolve purchasing and supplier-related issues, including damaged goods, incorrect shipments, shortages, and invoicing discrepancies.

Track and evaluate supplier performance, including quality, responsiveness, on-time delivery, and lead-time adherence.

Establish and maintain standard costs within the ERP system.

Collaborate closely with Sales, Engineering, Production, and other departments to align purchasing activities with current production requirements and future demand forecasts.

Support inventory management initiatives by balancing material availability with inventory investment objectives.

Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related field preferred; or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of 2-4 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain, inventory management, or a closely related field.
• Experience working within an ERP system and managing purchase orders, supplier communications, and inventory transactions.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Competencies
• Proficiency with ERP and supply chain management software.
• Strong decision-making skills to effectively manage purchasing activities and inventory levels.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, suppliers, and external partners.
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to secure favorable pricing, lead times, and supplier agreements.
• Ability to analyze and reconcile inventory transactions while identifying opportunities for process improvements.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
• Technical aptitude with the ability to understand product function, specifications, and applications.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with suppliers and cross-functional business partners.
• English language proficiency required; additional language skills are a plus.