Buyer - Rochester, NY

About the Role

The Buyer is responsible for purchasing and managing materials to support a fast-paced contract manufacturing environment. This role requires an experienced buyer who can balance material availability, cost, quality, lead times, inventory, and changing production requirements. This position works closely with Planning, Production, Engineering, Quality, Inventory, and suppliers to ensure customer commitments are met.

The Buyer is expected to take ownership of assigned materials and suppliers from requirement through delivery. Success in this role means staying ahead of shortages, maintaining accurate purchasing information, holding suppliers accountable, and providing clear answers when material issues arise.

Responsibilities

• Manage purchasing for assigned suppliers, commodities, and customer programs, including reviewing MRP requirements, placing purchase orders, and maintaining accurate delivery dates, pricing, lead times, and quantities within the ERP system.
• Monitor material requirements and supplier commitments, proactively identifying shortages, expediting critical materials, and developing recovery plans to prevent production disruptions.
• Maintain strong supplier relationships while holding suppliers accountable for delivery, quality, cost, and responsiveness.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, minimum quantities, and commercial terms as needed.
• Support quoting and cost-reduction activities by obtaining supplier pricing, identifying purchasing opportunities, and assisting with alternate materials or suppliers when necessary.
• Work closely with Production, Planning, Engineering, Quality, and Inventory to resolve material issues, support changing priorities, and communicate supply risks and recommended actions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or supply-chain certification is preferred but not required.
• 5+ years of purchasing experience, preferably in contract manufacturing or a high-mix manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of MRP/ERP-driven purchasing and inventory management.
• Strong supplier management, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage a high volume of purchase orders, suppliers, and changing priorities.
• Strong Excel, analytical, and communication skills.
• Experience with electrical, electronic, mechanical, or industrial components is preferred.