Buyer

About the role

SkyWater Search Partners is partnering with a well-established Minnesota manufacturer to identify a Buyer for their growing Purchasing team. The company designs and manufactures custom industrial equipment. This is an excellent opportunity for a purchasing professional to join a collaborative, people-focused organization where the role will have a direct impact on production, supplier performance, and overall operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Manage purchasing activities for raw materials, fabricated parts, inventory items, industrial supplies, PPE, and other production-related materials.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules with vendors and suppliers.
• Prepare, issue, and monitor purchase orders to ensure materials are delivered on time and meet production requirements.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers while identifying and evaluating new sources of supply.
• Monitor inventory levels and work with the Purchasing Manager to ensure adequate material availability.
• Identify and proactively resolve potential shortages, backorders, late deliveries, and other supply issues.
• Work closely with Engineering, Project Management, Production, and other internal teams to support project and production requirements.
• Address defective, incorrect, or delayed shipments and coordinate vendor returns/RMAs as needed.
• Analyze purchasing and inventory data and recommend cost savings and process improvements.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and become a proficient user of Epicor ERP.

Requirements

• Associate degree or equivalent relevant experience required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 5+ years of relevant purchasing, procurement, or sourcing experience in a manufacturing environment, or an equivalent combination of purchasing and inventory/material planning experience.
• Experience purchasing raw materials, components, fabricated parts, or industrial supplies.
• Strong vendor management, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Experience working with an ERP system; Epicor experience is highly preferred.
• Ability to analyze data, identify issues, and make sound purchasing decisions.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Engineering, Production, Project Management, and other departments.
• APICS, CPSM, ISM, or other purchasing/supply chain certification is a plus.