Senior Buyer

About the Role

As a Senior Buyer at Park Industries, you will serve as a key partner in managing critical supplier accounts, supporting new product development initiatives, and ensuring purchasing strategies align with operational and customer needs. You'll collaborate with suppliers, engineers, project teams, and internal stakeholders to optimize performance, reduce risk, and support Park's commitment to innovation and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Supplier Management:
  • Manage key supplier relationships and serve as the primary point of contact for strategically important supplier accounts.
  • Evaluate supplier performance, identify improvement opportunities, and develop action plans to address supplier shortfalls.
  • Develop, recommend, and implement supplier and inventory management strategies that improve performance, quality, delivery, and cost.
  • Proactively anticipate supplier challenges and drive resolution before they impact Park operations or customers.
• New Product Development & Project Leadership:
  • Serve as the primary Purchasing representative on New Product Development projects.
  • Partner with engineering, project teams, and suppliers to ensure purchasing requirements are effectively communicated and executed.
  • Manage purchasing activities related to capital expenditure projects while ensuring compliance with departmental guidelines.
  • Coordinate supplier involvement throughout project lifecycles to support successful launches and implementation.
• Procurement Planning & ERP Management:
  • Ensure MRP planning parameters and ERP data remain accurate and aligned with business requirements.
  • Manage Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), ensuring approvals, updates, and supplier communications are completed in a timely manner.
  • Support inventory optimization efforts while maintaining supply continuity and operational efficiency.
  • Monitor purchasing activities and recommend process improvements to enhance effectiveness and accuracy.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Continuous Improvement:
  • Provide clear, timely communication with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
  • Participate in cross-functional teams focused on innovation, efficiency improvements, and operational excellence.
  • Develop creative solutions to complex supplier and supply chain challenges.
  • Contribute to strategic initiatives that strengthen Park's supply chain and support long-term business goals.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience (preferred)
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 5 years of purchasing, supply chain, or related experience (required)
  • Experience with ERP systems and material planning processes (preferred)
  • Experience working with suppliers on audits, benchmarking, and performance improvement initiatives (preferred)
  • Experience managing projects and supporting cross-functional teams (preferred)
  • Experience in a manufacturing environment (preferred)
  • Experience with supplier quoting and negotiations (preferred)
• Certifications: APICS, MP, or related supply chain certifications (preferred)
• Travel: Ability to travel up to 20%
• Work Schedule: Standard business hours Monday through Friday in a hybrid work environment that balances onsite collaboration at our St. Cloud, MN office with remote work flexibility and occasional supplier visits.

Pay

$74,000 to $90,500 annually

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• HSA/FSA options
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid time off