Buyer

Brief Description Job Description: Buyer Company: Malco Group Department: Purchasing Reports To: Purchasing Supervisor Location: Annandale, MN Position Overview The Malco Group is seeking a Buyer who is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and procuring materials, components, and services required for uninterrupted production. This role manages supplier relationships, optimizes cost and inventory, ensures quality and on-time delivery, and partners with operations, engineering, and quality to support production goals and continuous improvement. Essential Duties Issue and manage Purchase Orders through our ERP system, including release schedules, lead-time management and expediting to meet production plans. Maintain inventory levels by collaborating with Planning on reorder points, safety stock and inventory optimization. Monitor and evaluate supplier performance on quality, delivery, cost and responsiveness. Address supply chain delays, monitor forecasts/trends, evaluate suppliers (price, quality, availability, reliability), and resolve 3-way match invoice discrepancies. Collaborate with Quality Assurance, Engineering, and suppliers on material issues and non-conforming products (via Material Review Board), facilitating meetings and managing rework/returns. Coordinate with Cross-functional teams (Accounting, Receiving, Engineering, QA, Tool and Die, Returns, Customer Service, Shipping, Operations) Participate in weekly department meetings to resolve discrepancies and ensure smooth operations. Maintain accurate price lists, purchase orders, and revisions (via DCFs and ECRs), preparing reports on past-due orders, back-orders, and supplier delivery plans to meet performance goals. Manage procurement activities with domestic and international suppliers, including coordinating imports, monitoring global lead times, addressing customs and logistics requirements, mitigating supply chain risks, and ensuring on-time delivery of goods to support production needs. Education/Experience Bachelor’s degree or Associates degree or 3+ years of highly relevant experience. Minimum of 3 years’ purchasing and planning experience in a manufacturing environment; relevant production experience is a plus. Knowledge of ERP systems (Oracle recommended) for planning, purchase order processing, and sales order conversion. Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office for communication, planning, and task management. Preferred Attributes Detail-oriented, organized, and capable of managing multiple projects. Self-motivated and collaborative team player. Strong problem-solving skills with basic root cause analysis capability. Intermediate communication skills (written, verbal, phone, in-person) for effective collaboration with teams and supplier relationships. Operational awareness of production rates and part usage, with ability to multitask and adapt to shifting priorities. Experience managing relationships and procurement activities with international suppliers is beneficial but not required. Certification in CPIM, CPSM, or CPM (e.g., through ASCM or ISM) or a 4-year college degree is beneficial but not required. Benefits And Perks The Malco Group recognizes the importance of offering comprehensive benefits and perks to its employees, including: 401k with company matching. Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Company paid life insurance and paid short-term disability. Paid time off