Senior Buyer

About the role

The Buyer plays a critical role in optimizing the supply chain for a dynamic, rapidly growing conveyor system integrator serving the retail, e-commerce, and distribution markets. Working within a large, modern manufacturing facility, this role focuses on developing and implementing strategic sourcing and purchasing strategies that drive cost savings, ensure on-time availability of high-quality materials, and support efficient manufacturing operations. The Buyer also provides leadership within the purchasing function by training team members and supporting high-level purchasing decisions.

Responsibilities

• Purchase materials and supplies required for production to ensure continuous support of manufacturing operations.
• Ensure materials are purchased at reasonable cost, within established budgets, and delivered on time to meet production schedules.
• Oversee purchasing logs and records to maintain accuracy, completeness, and proper follow-through on all transactions.
• Use the ERP/MRP system to identify purchased and manufactured parts that need to be ordered or released from blanket purchase orders.
• Generate purchase orders to suppliers and manage open purchase orders to ensure on-time delivery in line with vendor commitments.
• Execute delivery pull-ins, pushouts, or cancellations based on changing demand requirements and production needs.
• Forecast demand for high-volume items and negotiate pricing to secure bid award contracts that lock in favorable costs.
• Resolve supplier issues related to logistics, pricing, quality, and accounting to maintain a reliable and efficient supply base.
• Maintain a supply chain strategy that minimizes inventory while ensuring product availability for manufacturing and customer needs.
• Maintain adequate inventories of purchased and manufactured materials to meet company requirements without excessive stock.
• Apply strategic sourcing expertise to develop and execute comprehensive sourcing strategies for conveyor products aligned with organizational goals.
• Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers that meet quality, cost, and delivery requirements, and build strong, long-term supplier relationships.
• Lead negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable terms, including pricing, payment terms, and contractual agreements.
• Drive continuous improvement and cost-saving initiatives through effective negotiation and sourcing strategies.
• Monitor and assess supplier performance against established key performance indicators (KPIs) and take corrective actions when performance gaps arise.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop and implement supplier performance improvement plans.
• Stay current with market trends, industry developments, and emerging technologies related to conveyor products.
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify new suppliers, innovative sourcing approaches, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Identify potential risks within the supply chain and develop strategies to mitigate and manage them effectively.
• Implement robust risk assessment and contingency plans to minimize disruptions and ensure continuity of supply.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, manufacturing, logistics, and other internal teams to understand their requirements and align sourcing strategies.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams to ensure effective communication, coordination, and support of business objectives.
• Support supplier diversity initiatives and sustainable sourcing practices, identifying opportunities to enhance environmental and social sustainability in the supply chain.
• Analyze sourcing data, performance metrics, and cost-saving initiatives to generate regular reports and provide actionable insights to management.
• Use data-driven approaches to support decision-making and optimize sourcing and purchasing processes.
• Actively train and mentor other purchasing team members to build skills and strengthen the overall purchasing function.
• Assist the Purchasing Manager with high-level purchasing decisions and support strategic decision-making.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the success of the supply chain and purchasing department.

Requirements

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal teams, vendors, stakeholders, and community partners.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think strategically about sourcing, procurement, and supply chain optimization.
• Ability to work both collaboratively as part of a team and independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and discretion.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, high-pressure environment.
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail in all purchasing and documentation activities.
• Ability to adapt to changing needs of the organization and employees.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems for purchasing, inventory management, and demand planning.
• Excellent reading and writing skills in the English language.
• Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of five years of related purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience preferred, ideally in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to successfully complete a probationary period as defined by company policy.

Preferred qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, business administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience with purchasing, purchase orders, and inventory management in a manufacturing setting.
• Hands-on experience with demand forecasting, KPI tracking, and market analysis for sourcing and procurement.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP platforms such as SAP, Oracle, Epicor, or similar systems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage vendor relationships and resolve supplier issues.
• Experience in manufacturing operations and understanding of production requirements.
• Strong strategic thinking capabilities related to procurement, sourcing, and supply chain design.
• Leadership and mentoring experience, particularly in training and developing purchasing team members.
• Experience supporting sustainability initiatives and supplier diversity programs within the supply chain.
• Ability to generate clear, data-driven reports and present insights to management.
• Experience with project coordination and cross-functional collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, and logistics.
• Demonstrated ability to support and promote core values such as integrity, innovation, accountability, and collaboration.

Work environment

This position is based in a large, modern, temperature-controlled professional office environment within a manufacturing facility. The Buyer primarily works at a desk using a computer for extended periods and interacts frequently with the shop floor. On the shop floor, there is exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes, and airborne particles, and the noise level can vary from moderate to loud. Air temperature in production areas may fluctuate with seasonal weather. The role requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds on occasion. The culture emphasizes integrity, innovation, accountability, and collaboration, fostering a supportive, team-oriented atmosphere focused on continuous improvement and delivering innovative, turn-key conveyor solutions to retail, e-commerce, and distribution customers.

Schedule & location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Port Clinton, OH. This is a fully onsite position.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $40.87 - $48.08/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)