Buyer

About the role

The Buyer role is based in the Guthrie, Kentucky area and is part of Conner Industries' procurement team. This position supports the procurement of both direct and indirect materials, working closely with operations, finance, and plant leadership.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with sales, management, and key plant operations in sourcing materials for existing and prospective accounts.
• Purchase materials from approved vendors based on sales/plant forecasts and demand.
• Negotiate supply contracts with key vendors.
• Manage materials inventories in conjunction with plant operations.
• Determine the best and most cost-effective pricing for materials without compromising quality.
• Coordinate with plant management and sales team to purchase and maintain necessary inventory for assembling customer products.
• Sourcing lumber and third-party components, analyzing make vs. buy scenarios.
• Update and maintain records of order statuses, providing payment approvals to the accounting department as needed.
• Coordinate material planning efforts with plant buyers and operations.
• Maintain up-to-date, accurate inventory records and participate in periodic inventory counts.
• Model material cost increases and identify how these changes will impact margins.
• Communicate material-related price increases to the sales team.
• Conduct market research to stay informed about emerging trends and business opportunities.

Requirements

• Two to five years of purchasing experience in products such as fasteners, corrugate, foam, and/or other indirect supplies.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience.
• Existing relationships with suppliers preferred.
• Able to negotiate best rates and delivery schedules to meet plant needs.
• Organized, able to multi-task, and maintain accurate records.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in MSOffice, particularly Excel.
• Analytical skills to quickly and accurately assess information and make sound business decisions.
• Travel expected up to 20%.

Qualifications, Education & Experience

• Two to five years of purchasing experience in products such as fasteners, corrugate, foam, and/or other indirect supplies.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience.
• Existing relationships with suppliers a plus.
• Able to negotiate best rates and delivery schedule to meet plant needs.
• Organized, able to multi-task and maintain accurate records.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in MSOffice, including strong Excel skills.
• Analytic skills to quickly and accurately assimilate information making sound business decisions.
• Travel expected up to 20%.