A Commodities or Manufacturing Buyer is responsible for sourcing and purchasing the commodities needed for ongoing or future production in a manufacturing process. Responsible for maintaining supplier relationships. May also be responsible growing supplier relationships with new and/or existing suppliers.
Supply Chain / Purchasing Position Overview The Buyer / Senior Buyer collaborates closely with the Purchasing Team and external vendor network to ensure operational deadlines are met, cost-reduction targets are achieved, and high inventory accuracy is maintained. Working with cross-functional manufacturing and program teams, this role leverages ERP/MRP systems to maintain uninterrupted material flow in support of active production lines and client commitments.
Purchase raw materials, components, and services to fulfill operational and production scheduling requirements. Collaborate with the Program Management team to oversee supply chain activities across multiple customer accounts. Manage MRO purchase orders, including the monitoring and replenishment of consigned material inventory.
PO Management & Inventory Control:
Monitor, expedite, and confirm open purchase orders with suppliers to eliminate material shortages. Maintain purchase order date integrity to balance stock levels and meet annual inventory turn KPI benchmarks. Proactively resolve emerging supplier or material issues to avoid disruptions to production schedules and customer Available-to-Promise (ATP) dates. Track and manage customer excess material levels against quoted targets, escalating potential variances to Program Management. Review and process non-conforming or non-receivable materials in conjunction with QA and warehouse teams.
Cost Optimization & Vendor Negotiation:
Maintain cost integrity by ensuring purchase prices stay within Sourcing estimates to safeguard program margins. Identify, lead, and execute cost-reduction initiatives and negotiate vendor pricing to achieve corporate margin goals. Negotiate and secure favorable payment terms and cash/purchase discounts across the supplier base.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Act as a central communication link for inventory availability and production schedules across Program Management, Purchasing, Stockroom, Manufacturing, Testing, QA, and Engineering. Execute special procurement projects and ad hoc operational tasks as needed.
Qualifications & Requirements Experience:
3 to 5 years of related purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience, preferably within a manufacturing or electronics environment (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related technical discipline is highly desirable.
Systems Proficiency:
Demonstrated hands-on experience utilizing MRP/ERP platforms (Infor experience preferred) along with proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
Core Competencies:
Strong negotiation acumen, self-directed prioritization skills, proactive problem-solving, and professional communication across internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
