MRO Buyer

About the Role

We’re Watts—together, we’re reimagining the future of water. The MRO Buyer ensures the uninterrupted supply of Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) materials, equipment, parts, and services necessary to support manufacturing and facility operations. This role proactively manages inventory levels, supplier relationships, purchase orders, and material availability while identifying opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and operational efficiency. The position requires independent judgment, analytical decision-making, and close collaboration with cross-functional teams. Based onsite in Franklin, NH, this role reports to the Materials Manager.

Responsibilities

• Procure MRO materials, facility supplies, spare parts, equipment, and services to support manufacturing operations and facility maintenance requirements.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels of MRO materials to ensure uninterrupted production and facility operations.
• Monitor and manage purchase orders to ensure pricing, quantities, and delivery schedules are accurate and aligned with operational needs.
• Partner closely with Maintenance, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Accounting, Receiving, and Supply Chain teams to resolve material, supplier, and service-related issues.
• Develop, maintain, and strengthen supplier relationships while ensuring suppliers meet quality, delivery, and cost expectations.
• Identify and qualify new suppliers as necessary to support business continuity and sourcing initiatives.
• Communicate and escalate critical shortages, supplier delays, or supply chain risks that may impact operations.
• Utilize ERP systems, spreadsheets, and reporting tools to forecast demand, track KPIs, monitor inventory performance, and maintain accurate records.
• Support inventory control initiatives including cycle counts, stocking strategies, min/max levels, Kanban systems, and replenishment processes.
• Analyze purchasing trends, consumption patterns, and supplier performance to identify cost reduction and process improvement opportunities.
• Participate in root cause analysis, corrective action activities, and continuous improvement initiatives focused on procurement, inventory management, and operational efficiency.
• Remain knowledgeable of site operations, maintenance requirements, equipment needs, new products, and industry best practices.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, purchasing procedures, safety requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Perform additional projects and duties as assigned by the Purchasing Manager or Company Management.
• Demonstrate accountability, continuous improvement, and transparency in all aspects of the role.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 3+ years of experience in materials planning, production planning, inventory management, purchasing, or manufacturing operations.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Understanding of and adherence to applicable laws, regulations, company policies, safety procedures, and ethical procurement practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience purchasing industrial equipment, maintenance parts, tooling, consumables, facilities supplies, and related MRO categories.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Kanban systems, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• APICS/ASCM, CPSM, CPM, or other purchasing/supply chain certifications.
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment supporting maintenance and operations teams.
• Experience with supplier negotiations, contract management, and cost reduction initiatives.

Skills

• Commitment to Watts’ values of integrity, accountability, continuous improvement and innovation, and transparency.
• Punctuality and dependability.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing work priorities and stressful conditions.
• Adherence to all personnel policies, procedures, and standards of process as implemented by Watts.
• Maintain productive and collaborative relationships with other Watts employees.
• Adherence to Watts’ seven cultural beliefs: Growth Mindset, Customer-Focused Innovation, Constant Communication, Clear Goals, Collaborate Globally, Be Inclusive, and Take Action.

Working Conditions

This role is onsite at a manufacturing facility in Franklin, NH. The majority of duties are performed in an office environment, but occasional presence on the manufacturing floor is required, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. Scheduled work hours will be communicated by your manager (Monday–Friday).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain seated at a desk or workstation for extended periods.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks like typing on a keyboard or using a mouse for extended periods.
• Ability to physically move around the office, organize or transport files, packages, or other office-related materials.
• Ability to read documents, use a computer, and perform data entry tasks.
• Ability to communicate clearly with management and coworkers, particularly in meetings or phone calls.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment such as computers, printers, phones, and copiers.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry light objects, such as office supplies, documents, or small equipment.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation based on skills, qualifications, and experience.
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits.
• Family building benefits, including paid maternity/paternity leave.
• 10 paid holidays and Paid Time Off.
• Continued professional development opportunities and educational reimbursement.
• Additional perks such as fitness reimbursements and employee discount programs.