Buyer

About the Company

Robinson, Inc. is an employee-owned company that prides itself on manufacturing solutions and an ownership culture supporting the industries we serve and our local communities. We value trust, loyalty, teamwork, integrity, and accountability, and strive to provide customer service that goes above and beyond the standard.

About the Role

As the Buyer based at Robinson’s Altoona, Iowa plant, you will procure non-bill of materials items required to support facility operations, including limited capital equipment. This role involves placing and managing purchase orders for outsourced parts under the direction of the Supervisor of Outsourced Materials. You will also support material evaluation and flow, assist in resolving quality issues, and collaborate with the Wisconsin-based Strategic Sourcing Team as needed.

Responsibilities

• Work with internal departments to align suppliers with required materials and services based on best overall value.
• Proactively identify and negotiate with suppliers on prices, delivery times, and turnaround times; work with accounting to establish accounts with outside vendors.
• Ensure the accuracy of purchase orders, including descriptions, quantities, prices, discounts, payment terms, and shipment dates.
• Monitor and track purchase orders to ensure updated delivery information is available; ensure items needed for production are in stock or arriving on time.
• Collect information from vendors for quality documentation.
• Maintain a quality mindset to ensure products and services meet or exceed Robinson or customer quality standards.
• Develop local suppliers for non-BOM items and services.
• Work with the Inventory team on Kanban items and validate inventory levels as necessary.
• Use SourceDay to manage purchase orders and move in/move out orders as required.
• Conduct local supplier visits to manage and improve supplier relationships.
• Perform other assigned duties.

Requirements

• College degree preferred but not necessary; high school diploma or equivalent (GED) is required.
• Five or more years of buying experience.
• Ability to read and understand part drawings.
• Mid-to-advanced level computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and ERP systems.
• Effective communication skills for interaction with multiple site groups, customers, vendors, and potential customers.
• Authorized to work for any employer in the United States; employer sponsorship is not available.

Leadership & Travel

This position has no supervisory responsibilities and requires minimal travel to local suppliers.

Benefits

Robinson offers a dynamic work environment where employees are empowered to excel and grow within their roles. View our Benefits Snapshot.