Plant Buyer

Role Purpose

The Plant Buyer is responsible for supporting manufacturing operations through effective procurement of both raw materials and non-production materials and services. This role combines sourcing, supplier management, and transactional purchasing, working closely with internal stakeholders to ensure continuity of supply, cost competitiveness, and supplier performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute strategic sourcing and tactical buying activities, including supplier selection, RFQs/RFPs, bid analysis, negotiations, purchase order placement, and follow-through through payment.
• Manage procurement of raw materials, non-production materials, and services supporting manufacturing operations.
• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, and supply agreements to support cost, quality, and delivery objectives.
• Collaborate with Planning, Operations, Engineering, Quality, and other internal stakeholders to support material availability, new material introductions, and supplier changes.
• Identify and recommend alternate sources of supply to mitigate risk and support business continuity.
• Maintain accurate purchasing data, documentation, and supplier records within the ERP system.
• Support supplier audits, quality claims coordination, and resolution of delivery or performance issues.
• Monitor supplier performance related to quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost; drive corrective actions as needed.
• Analyze supply risks related to capacity, lead times, and demand changes, and proactively communicate potential issues.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in sourcing processes, supplier performance, and cost management.
• Handle daily procurement tasks such as contract signing, PO placement, delivery follow-up, goods receipt, invoice reconciliation, payment application, data archiving, etc.

Experiences/Education - Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in procurement or sourcing within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Demonstrated experience with supplier sourcing, negotiations, and purchase execution.
• Solid understanding of procurement processes, supply continuity, and supplier management.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, plant-based environment.
• Experience working within an ERP system (SAP preferred).

Experiences/Education - Preferred

• Experience with global manufacturing and business through work or project experience.
• Experience sourcing direct materials, indirect materials, or a combination of both.
• Exposure to manufacturing industries such as solar, renewable energy, electronics, glass, automotive, chemicals, or similar.
• Experience supporting cost reduction initiatives and supplier performance improvement efforts.
• Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), APICS or certification related to Supply Chain.
• Green Belt Certification.

Additional Skills & Attributes

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Collaborative, proactive approach with internal and external stakeholders.
• Comfortable balancing day-to-day purchasing needs with longer-term sourcing activities.
• Experience working across multiple businesses, division and/or technologies.

Pay

The range for this position is $69,318.00 - $95,313.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.

Benefits

• Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well.
• As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, Corning provides company matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan of up to 4% of pay when you contribute at least 6% of pay.
• Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and consider requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment.