Sr. Buyer

Location: Stafford, TX, United States, 77477

About the role

At Chart, we design and build some of the world’s most advanced cryogenic equipment—that’s how our “Cooler By Design®” tagline was born. Our customers bring us challenges, not just equipment specs. From concept and design to installation and commissioning, you’ll help create solutions that support a wide range of industries and applications, including:

• Launching rockets into space
• Delivering Nexus of Clean™ solutions for clean water, clean power, clean food, and clean industrials
• Powering the carbonation in your favorite fast-food beverage
• Making nitro coffee and nitro ice cream possible

We’re looking for bright, driven talent excited to build a career in an evolving, high-growth industry. Along with competitive compensation and meaningful work, Chart offers development programs designed to grow future leaders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for direct and indirect materials to support production goals and business requirements.
• Research, evaluate, and source materials, components, equipment, and services from qualified suppliers.
• Purchase metal, machined parts, fabrications, and outside services such as machining, plating, inspection, and related supplier services.
• Prepare and execute purchase orders, blanket orders, and requests for quotation.
• Partner with Category Managers to generate RFQs for assigned category families.
• Analyze supplier quotations, negotiate pricing, contracts, delivery schedules, and terms, and recommend sourcing decisions based on cost, quality, reliability, and business needs.
• Identify, evaluate, and manage supplier relationships to ensure quality, reliability, responsiveness, and cost-effectiveness.
• Monitor supplier performance, including quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost competitiveness.
• Expedite open purchase orders and proactively manage supplier delays, shortages, and backorders to minimize production disruption.
• Monitor market trends, pricing fluctuations, and supply chain risks to proactively adjust procurement plans and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Production, Quality, Planning, Inventory Control, and Operations teams to align purchasing decisions with production schedules and operational needs.
• Review inventory levels and planning requirements to ensure material availability while minimizing excess inventory.
• Resolve supplier issues related to delivery, quality, invoicing, or purchasing discrepancies in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, pricing information, supplier performance data, and procurement documentation within the ERP system.
• Support ERP system updates and data integrity related to procurement activities.
• Lead cost reduction initiatives and continuous improvement projects within the supply chain.
• Assist with the implementation of regional or global sourcing strategies that leverage synergies between Americas and worldwide business units.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, quality requirements, ethical sourcing standards, and Chart procedures.
• Maintain the highest level of ethical behavior while following Chart procedures, policies, work instructions, and safety guidelines.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and support to less experienced team members and may serve as a lead for departmental purchasing activities.
• Participate in cross-functional projects and strategic sourcing initiatives to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen supplier performance.

Requirements

• 5 or more years of procurement, purchasing, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience buying metal, machined parts, fabrications, and coordinating outside services such as machining, plating, inspection, or similar supplier services is required.
• Experience sourcing direct and indirect materials and managing supplier relationships.
• Strong understanding of procurement principles, inventory management, supplier management, and supply chain processes.
• Experience negotiating pricing, contracts, delivery terms, and supplier agreements.
• Basic understanding of how to read a blueprint.
• Clear understanding of quality systems such as ISO and quality documentation requirements.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems, preferably Epicor, JD Edwards, or similar platforms.
• Ability to analyze purchasing data, market trends, supplier performance, and inventory requirements to identify opportunities for improvement and cost reduction.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and resolve complex purchasing issues independently.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Experience using Microsoft Teams and other business communication tools.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, or lead-level experience preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and build effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.

Physical Work Environment

• Ability to move throughout office, warehouse, and production environments.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and perform routine office tasks.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 15 pounds.
• Exposure to manufacturing environments, including varying noise levels.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing and office environment while managing competing priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience may be considered.