Outsource Buyer

About the role

Scot Forge is hiring an Outsource Buyer to support machining, heat treat, and outsourced manufacturing operations. This highly visible role develops sourcing strategies, manages supplier relationships, evaluates manufacturing capabilities, and ensures outsourced work meets the highest standards of quality, cost competitiveness, and on‑time delivery. The position partners closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Sales, Production Control, and external suppliers to create innovative manufacturing solutions, support new business opportunities, and align outsourced operations with customer requirements and production schedules. The role is based in Spring Grove, Illinois.

Why This Role

This opportunity is ideal for a professional who enjoys blending technical manufacturing knowledge with strategic sourcing and supplier management. The successful candidate will evaluate manufacturing processes, identify capable suppliers, manage complex projects, and build strong relationships across internal and external stakeholders. Success requires technical credibility and the ability to influence outcomes without direct authority.

What You’ll Own

• Supplier sourcing, qualification, and performance management programs
• Procurement of outsourced machining, heat treat, and manufacturing services
• Vendor quality, on‑time delivery, and cost performance metrics
• Development of supplier relationships and vendor management systems
• Manufacturing outsourcing strategies that support production requirements and customer commitments

What You’ll Do

• Evaluate manufacturing requirements, identify capable suppliers, develop RFQs, evaluate quotations, and place work with qualified vendors
• Monitor supplier quality, delivery, and pricing performance while resolving issues that impact production schedules or customer requirements
• Partner with cross‑functional teams to support new product introductions, project deliverables, production priorities, and customer expectations
• Develop and maintain strong supplier partnerships that create long‑term value for both Scot Forge and its vendors
• Monitor shop workloads and identify opportunities to strategically subcontract work to support capacity and delivery objectives
• Help develop and improve purchasing processes, ERP workflows, vendor management systems, and sourcing practices

What We’re Looking For

• Associate’s degree in a technical manufacturing discipline or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in machining, CNC programming, manufacturing, or a related technical field
• Purchasing experience, particularly involving outsourced machining or manufacturing services (strongly preferred)
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, machining operations, inspection methods, and GD&T
• Proven ability to build relationships and effectively influence colleagues, suppliers, and customers at all organizational levels
• Experience with supplier management, project management, negotiation, cost analysis, or vendor development (preferred)
• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (preferred)
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship and able to pass a pre‑employment drug screening

Why Scot Forge

• 100% employee‑owned industry leader in forged and engineered metal products
• Opportunity to play a critical role in supporting manufacturing operations and customer success
• Exposure to a wide range of manufacturing processes, suppliers, and strategic sourcing initiatives
• High‑impact position with visibility across Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Sales
• Strong commitment to employee development, continuous improvement, and operational excellence
• Stable, growing organization with a long‑term ownership mindset

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Hearing coverage
• Life Insurance and Disability benefits
• 401(k) with company match, Profit Sharing, and ESOP
• FSA/HSA programs
• Paid time off, vacation, and paid holidays