Buyer (Direct Hire)
Valparaiso, Indiana
Job Requisition: 7260
Description for Buyer:
The Buyer will manage the procurement of materials and supplies for our client’s manufacturing operations. In this role, you will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating with suppliers, and ensuring timely delivery of quality materials to meet production schedules.
Responsibilities for Buyer:
- Source and procure materials by identifying, evaluating, and selecting suppliers to obtain necessary materials and supplies for production while ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness.
- Negotiate contracts by discussing pricing, terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers to secure optimal agreements that align with company goals.
- Manage purchase orders by creating, processing, and monitoring orders to ensure timely fulfillment and accurate documentation.
- Monitor inventory levels, analyze usage trends, and adjust procurement strategies to maintain optimal stock levels while minimizing excess inventory.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, addressing any issues related to quality, delivery, or pricing in a timely manner.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, working closely with engineering, production, and quality assurance teams to understand material requirements and production schedules.
- Conduct regular analysis of purchasing data to identify cost-saving opportunities and develop strategies for continuous improvement.
- Stay informed about market trends, pricing fluctuations, and industry developments to make informed purchasing decisions.
- Ensure that all materials and supplies meet quality standards and comply with regulatory requirements.
- Maintain accurate records of purchasing activities, supplier contracts, and inventory levels, and generate reports for management review.
- Assist in conducting supplier audits and performance evaluations to ensure compliance with company standards.
- Participate in efforts to source sustainable and environmentally friendly materials whenever possible.
Requirements for Buyer:
- 3-6 years of experience in purchasing within a manufacturing environment.
- Bachelor's degree or at least an associate degree with relevant experience
- Proven ability to manage and negotiate with suppliers to secure optimal terms (pricing, delivery, quality).
- Knowledge of inventory control processes and managing stock levels to meet production demands.
- Understanding of Manufacturing Processes: Familiarity with production workflows and the impact of materials purchasing on the production schedule.
- Experience in identifying cost-saving opportunities and process improvements in procurement.
- ERP/MRP System Experience: Proficiency in using ERP/MRP systems for tracking and managing orders (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or other systems).
- Strong ability to negotiate contracts, including pricing, terms, and service level agreements (SLAs).
- Ability to analyze purchasing data and trends to make informed decisions.
- Excellent verbal and written communication for interacting with suppliers and internal teams.
- High level of accuracy in managing purchase orders, contracts, and inventory.
