Senior Buyer

About the role

At Badger Meter, we're more than a leading global water technology company—we're innovators with a mission: to preserve and protect the world's most precious resource. For over 120 years, our trusted solutions have enabled customers to optimize the delivery and use of water, maximize revenue, and reduce waste. Every employee is an important part of our success, shaping a more sustainable future through purpose-driven work.

We are committed to building a workplace where differences are celebrated, voices are empowered, and fresh ideas drive innovation. When you join us, you'll find career growth opportunities, a supportive and inclusive culture, and the chance to make a real difference in communities around the globe.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes and schedules material purchases utilizing Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems. Reviews and sets planning parameters, issues purchase orders, and ensures optimum inventory levels for assigned commodities.
• Actively manages purchase orders through ongoing communication with suppliers and internal production teams to ensure on-time delivery.
• Resolves invoice exceptions after receipt of product.
• Initiates and negotiates contracts with suppliers for materials required by the company to meet customer requirements.
• Plans and executes procurement strategies for products and services in conjunction with cross-functional project teams.
• Evaluates and analyzes supplier quotations to determine best overall value.
• Researches and recommends suppliers for the development of new products and improvements to existing products.
• Promotes the company’s ISO quality requirements to suppliers and ensures compliance by leading corrective action efforts with underperforming suppliers.
• Assesses and mitigates supplier performance metrics such as on-time delivery, quality, responsiveness, and purchase price variance (PPV).
• Develops ongoing continuous improvement programs with major suppliers, focusing on cost reduction, quality improvement, and on-time delivery.
• Engages in problem resolution for defective purchases, invoice issues, order changes, and cancellations.
• Develops and cultivates strong business relationships with current and potential suppliers, negotiating price, terms, and conditions.
• Establishes cost standards and accounts for variances.
• Prepares reports advising management of economic changes that could impact company performance, such as commodity market conditions, supplier capacity, and delivery abilities.
• Researches, formulates, and recommends changes to company procurement policies for approval by the Procurement Manager, including quality standards, bidding procedures, and supplier relations.
• Collaborates with departments such as Sales, Engineering, Quality, Accounting, and Manufacturing to formulate interdepartmental procedures and resolve purchasing-related problems.
• Organizes and leads supplier meetings to align goals and drive compliance with company standards.
• Prepares and presents information to internal and external groups, tracking and following up on all action items discussed.
• Trains and mentors others as the subject matter expert on procurement strategy and procedure, acting as a positive role model.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in a Supply Chain role.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings and process specifications.
• Specialization in Industrial Purchasing.
• Advanced understanding of production and inventory control and forecasting procedures.
• Intermediate proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, and Internet usage.
• Advanced skills in MRP, ERP, problem-solving, and negotiation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent time management and multitasking abilities.

Competencies

• Collaboration: Work collaboratively across the organization to achieve shared objectives.
• Communication: Convey information clearly and concisely to individuals or groups, ensuring understanding and retention; listen actively.
• Initiating Action: Take prompt action to accomplish work goals; be proactive in achieving results beyond requirements.
• Work Standards: Set high standards of performance for self and others; assume responsibility and accountability for completing assignments.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment.

Benefits

• Competitive pay with eligibility for annual pay increases and bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental coverage.
• 15 days of Paid Time Off plus 11 paid holidays.
• Retirement savings with two ways to save:
  • Company contributes 25 cents for every dollar you contribute, up to 7% of eligible compensation.
  • Annual company contribution of 5% of eligible compensation to your Defined Contribution account.
• Access to a certified financial planner at no cost.
• Employer-paid benefits including Employee Assistance Program (EAP), basic group life insurance, and short-term disability.
• Educational Assistance: Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250.
• Voluntary benefits including additional life insurance, long-term disability, accident, and critical illness coverage.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.