Find & Apply For Buyer / Purchasing Agent Jobs in Valparaiso, Indiana

Strategic Sourcing Specialist Build Stronger Partnerships. Strengthen Our Supply Chain. Drive Results. AMKUS Rescue Systems is a leading manufacturer of high-performance extrication tools for firefighters, emergency responders, and racing safety teams worldwide. Our commitment to continuous improvement drives us to find better ways to serve our customers, support our employees, and strengthen our operations. We are searching for a Strategic Sourcing Specialist to help strengthen and optimize our supply chain by ensuring Amkus has the materials, components, products, and services needed to keep our operations running efficiently. In this role, you'll build and manage supplier relationships, negotiate pricing and terms, identify cost-saving opportunities, monitor supplier performance, and help ensure materials are available when our manufacturing teams need them. You'll work closely with Supply Chain, Production, Receiving, Accounts Payable, and other departments to solve problems, improve processes, and support the overall success of our operations. Our desired team member should be goal-driven, organized, resourceful, and willing to take ownership , with integrity, grit, and a passion for supporting the people who put lifesaving equipment in the hands of first responders. What You'll Do Actively manage supplier relationships to develop a lean, reliable, and cost-effective supply chain, with a focus on cost reduction, sustainability, and long-term supplier partnerships. Develop and implement sourcing and supplier selection strategies based on business needs, quality, service, cost, and overall value. Work with cross-functional teams and suppliers to establish supplier agreements and contracts when beneficial to the organization. Establish and lead cost-reduction initiatives without sacrificing quality, service, or customer requirements. Develop and maintain a supplier management program that includes performance metrics, goals, and continuous improvement initiatives. Plan raw material and purchased component requirements based on usage, inventory levels, and current demand. Analyze purchasing activity, costs, delivery performance, product quality, and inventory levels to identify opportunities and make adjustments as needed. Work closely with department heads and other teams throughout the organization to ensure material and supply needs are met on time. Source, request, and evaluate supplier quotes to support purchasing decisions. Create, issue, and track Purchase Orders for materials, supplies, services, tools, and other items required by the company. Maintain critical planning and purchasing data within the company's operating system, including lead times, reorder points, safety stock, and related parameters. Partner with Receiving and Accounts Payable to resolve purchasing and invoice discrepancies and assist with supplier dispute resolution. Create and update department procedures, work instructions, forms, and other documentation as needed. Participate in site leadership initiatives, including safety, continuous improvement, and cost-saving projects. Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor. What We're Looking For Associate's degree in Supply Chain Management or a related field required; Bachelor's degree preferred. Minimum of 5 years of supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment . Previous experience with an MRP/ERP system is highly desirable. Strong ability to manage multiple priorities while remaining organized, focused, and responsive. Ability to prepare accurate, effective, complete, and easy-to-understand written communications and reports for both internal and external audiences. Advanced computer skills and the ability to compile, analyze, and present information and data using Microsoft Office. Strong analytical, problem-solving, negotiation, and decision-making skills. Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with suppliers and internal teams. Ability to work effectively in a team environment and readily take on additional or new responsibilities. Ability to complete routine tasks and deliverables with minimal supervision. Willingness to comply with applicable laws and regulations, the Amkus Handbook, and all Company policies and procedures. Ability to work effectively in both an office environment and an operating manufacturing plant environment. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Must wear required personal protective equipment while inside plant process areas, including protective footwear, eye protection, and other site-specific equipment. Ability and willingness to occasionally work extended and/or evening hours and travel out of town as needed. Make an Impact at Amkus Every Amkus product depends on having the right materials, from the right suppliers, at the right time . As a Strategic Sourcing Specialist, your work plays an important role in keeping our manufacturing operations moving and ensuring our customers receive the products they depend on. You'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by strengthening supplier partnerships, reducing costs, improving inventory, solving supply chain challenges, and identifying opportunities to make our processes better . This is a role for someone who enjoys taking ownership, working through complex challenges, negotiating solutions, and seeing the results of their work directly impact the organization. At Amkus, your work goes beyond purchasing materials. You'll help build a stronger supply chain that supports our commitment to providing reliable, high-quality firefighting equipment to the first responders who depend on it. Join Amkus and help us build a smarter, stronger, and more reliable supply chain—one that keeps critical firefighting equipment moving to the people who need it most.