Buyer

Job Title: Buyer

Position Summary

The Buyer is responsible for executing and managing the day-to-day purchasing activities necessary to support production, engineering, and NPI (New Product Introduction) requirements. This role ensures timely procurement and delivery of materials—including electronic components, plastics, metals, and packaging—to support manufacturing operations both domestically and overseas. The Buyer maintains effective supplier relationships, monitors order status, and ensures materials meet company quality, cost, and delivery expectations.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement Execution

• Issue and manage purchase orders for production and prototype materials to support local and overseas manufacturing.
• Track and expedite orders to ensure on-time delivery, proactively resolving shortages or delays that could impact production schedules.
• Maintain accurate purchasing data in the ERP system, including pricing, lead times, and supplier information.
• Review material requirements (MRP) to ensure adequate inventory levels while avoiding excess or obsolete materials.
• Support NPI activities through timely order placement, coordination with suppliers, and communication of delivery schedules to engineering and production teams.

Supplier Communication & Coordination

• Serve as the primary contact for day-to-day supplier interactions, ensuring accurate order confirmation, shipment status updates, and issue resolution.
• Coordinate with overseas procurement and logistics teams to consolidate shipments and maintain smooth material flow between facilities.
• Assist in processing nonconforming material returns, replacements, and supplier corrective actions in collaboration with the Quality team.
• Maintain strong working relationships with vendors to support responsiveness and flexibility to production needs.

Inventory & Logistics Management

• Coordinate material shipments from domestic suppliers and overseas consolidation points, ensuring compliance with freight terms and delivery schedules.
• Work with logistics providers to optimize freight costs, improve transit times, and support weekly consolidation shipments to other global facilities.
• Monitor material availability and communicate potential shortages or delays to planning, production, and engineering teams.

Cost & Process Support

• Assist in implementing cost-control measures through order consolidation, alternate part suggestions, or improved purchasing practices.
• Support the development and renewal of supplier agreements by providing accurate spend and performance data.
• Participate in initiatives to reduce lead times, improve order accuracy, and streamline procurement workflows.
• Maintain compliance with company purchasing policies and quality system procedures.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Engineering, Quality, Planning, and Production teams to align material requirements and ensure schedule adherence.
• Communicate material status, risks, and delivery updates clearly and proactively across departments.
• Provide training and support to team members to ensure purchasing coverage and consistency during absences.

Education & Experience

• Associate's Degree (A.S.) in Supply Chain Management preferred or equivalent.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in purchasing or procurement within an electronics or contract manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience in international purchasing and logistics coordination.

Skills & Competencies

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP systems (SAP strongly preferred).
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Solid understanding of purchasing and materials control processes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective problem-solving and follow-up abilities.
• Attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and accountability.
• Working knowledge of supply chain documentation, including packing lists, invoices, and customs documents.
• Basic understanding of quality principles and corrective action processes.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Work is primarily performed in an office setting with frequent interaction across departments and suppliers. The employee is regularly required to sit, communicate, and use computer systems. Occasional standing, walking, bending, or lifting up to 25 pounds may be required. Periodic travel to suppliers or company facilities may occur.

Key Attributes for Success

• Dependable and proactive in managing material requirements.
• Detail-oriented with strong follow-up discipline.
• Effective communicator with both internal teams and suppliers.
• Team-oriented, adaptable, and responsive to changing production priorities.

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Vernon Hills, IL 60061