Position Summary
The Buyer plays a critical role in ensuring the timely, cost-effective procurement of raw materials, components, and services necessary to support manufacturing operations. This position requires a strategic and detail-oriented professional with strong negotiation skills, a solid understanding of supply chain and inventory management, and the ability to work effectively across departments. Due to the use of multiple ERP systems that do not integrate, advanced Excel skills are essential for data analysis, reconciliation, and reporting.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Coordinate with department managers to ensure purchasing, warehouse, and production activities are aligned and operating efficiently.
Oversee and maintain appropriate inventory levels to support production schedules while minimizing excess inventory and carrying costs.
Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers based on quality, cost, reliability, delivery performance, and overall strategic fit.
Develop and implement sourcing strategies to optimize costs and ensure continuity of supply for raw materials and components.
Negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms with suppliers to achieve cost savings while maintaining quality and service expectations.
Develop and maintain strong working relationships with wholesalers, vendors, and key suppliers.
Monitor market conditions, commodity pricing, and supplier performance to anticipate risks and cost fluctuations.
Research, analyze, and forecast purchasing needs, market trends, and product availability to support business planning.
Assess financial and operational risks associated with purchasing decisions and supplier dependencies.
Collaborate closely with production planning and operations teams to align purchasing with demand and inventory requirements.
Utilize Excel extensively to analyze purchasing data, track inventory, reconcile data between ERP systems, and prepare reports.
Support continuous improvement initiatives related to purchasing processes, inventory control, and supplier performance.
Demonstrate leadership by fostering a collaborative, team-oriented work environment.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, reporting, and reconciliation.
Experience working with ERP systems; experience managing data across multiple, non-integrated systems preferred.
Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
High attention to detail with strong organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.