Senior Buyer

Job Description:

The Senior Buyer is responsible for managing the procurement of direct and indirect materials for a manufacturing environment while maintaining and developing suppliers, with a focus on quality, logistics, price, capacity, and performance. The Senior Buyer drives cost reduction initiatives without compromising quality or delivery standards and supports corporate inventory management goals related to planning, storage, control, distribution, and planned targets. Key responsibilities include strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and contract negotiations in collaboration with the sourcing team. This position works cross-functionally with sales, sourcing, purchasing, production, and warehouse teams to ensure accurate scheduling, timely procurement, and efficient material movement to meet customer demand. The role also requires maintaining planning parameters and master data in applicable systems and utilizing relevant planning tools to support operational excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Place and manage orders for all product components, materials, services, and supplies to support production and plant requirements.
• Meet with suppliers as required to maintain positive working relationships, research new products/services, and negotiate pricing and terms.
• Work closely with WQ Center Led Purchasing & Sourcing Departments. Review market price, delivery conditions and trends to determine present and future material availability and selection, as it affects local plant operations.
• Effectively negotiate with suppliers on all questions or conflicts related to pricing, quality, specifications, delivery and service. Also must be able to effectively negotiate claims resulting from damaged or defective merchandise.
• Establish and maintain proper levels of inventory by working with plant operations to monitor, ensure replenishment process efficiencies, and prevent stockouts through updated MRP parameters.
• Monitor raw material inventory levels by communicating with operations and planning to ensure replenishment process efficiencies and stockout prevention.
• Monitor supplier fulfillment exceptions by tracking need dates and delivery dates daily. Execute necessary measures to ensure orders are fulfilled in a timely manner.
• Monitor Open POs and ensure that purchase orders are closed on a timely basis.

• Monitor and maintain supplier records, item master for purchased parts, primary suppliers, lead time, usage rates, and pricing in the ERP system.

• Analyze backlog daily to ensure parts will be shipped on time and provide appropriate follow-up and shipping information to the manufacturing sites.

• Work in unison with other management team members, such as engineering and quality control, to achieve the organization's strategic and financial goals.
• Prepare various reports detailing inventory costs, usages, etc. on an "as-needed" basis.
• Attend daily production meetings to report part shortages and actions to ensure timely delivery.
• Maintain a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a professional manner with suppliers, co-workers, and management.
• ALWAYS act in a safe manner and ensure those around us do not put themselves or others at risk.
• Participate in Supplier Performance management processes.
• Identify new suppliers throughout requirements planning activities.
• Identify and implement savings initiatives/targets in all manufacturing materials and activity
• Maintain and keep daily performance KPI's and reports.
• Understanding of Excel data management formulas and functionalities.
• Assist with periodic physical inventory.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Purchasing Manager.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes, specifically steel related manufacturing

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

• Procurement experience in hot rolled steel products (sheet, plate), structural steel tubing, and purchasing raw materials to support manufacturing/production floor highly desired.
• Understanding of Basic APICS fundamental
• 5+ years' experience in purchasing and/or supply chain
• Bachelor's degree (Supply Chain Mgt or Business preferred) or equivalent work experience
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, plant/manufacturing work environment and ability to react quickly to changes in demand
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 highly desired
• Strong verbal and written communication, team building, and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated negotiation skills and the ability to foster positive supplier relationships.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to make effective decisions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently.
• Proficient in MS Office applications and purchasing/accounting processes.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements:

Primarily works in an office environment with frequent interaction across departments, vendors, and management. This role requires the ability to sit for extended periods while performing computer-based tasks, such as data entry, analysis, and communication via email or video conferencing. Occasional standing, walking, bending, or lifting of materials up to 20 pounds may be required when reviewing inventory or inspecting materials. The position involves regular use of standard office equipment, including computers, phones, printers, and filing systems.

Company Benefits:

• 2 Medical Plan Options - Base HSA (High Deductible) and Buy-Up

Medical Plans

• Prescription (Rx) Insurance
• Health Savings