Job Summary We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Buyer to manage the purchasing of raw materials, components, tooling, packaging, maintenance supplies, and other materials required for our plastic injection molding operations. The Buyer will be responsible for ensuring materials are purchased at competitive prices, meet quality requirements, and are delivered on time to support uninterrupted production. This position requires strong negotiation, supplier management, organization, and communication skills. Key Responsibilities Purchase plastic resins, colorants, additives, packaging materials, components, and production supplies. Review material requirements, inventory levels, production schedules, and purchase requisitions. Create and issue purchase orders and monitor orders through delivery. Obtain and compare supplier quotations, pricing, lead times, and payment terms. Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, and other commercial terms with suppliers. Develop and maintain strong relationships with domestic and international suppliers. Monitor supplier performance regarding cost, quality, delivery, and responsiveness. Work closely with Production, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, Automation, Shipping and Receiving departments to ensure material availability. Coordinate with suppliers to resolve shortages, late deliveries, quality issues, and discrepancies. Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier information, pricing, and purchase orders. Monitor inventory levels and help prevent production interruptions caused by material shortages. Identify cost-reduction opportunities and alternative suppliers or materials when appropriate. Support annual and ongoing supplier price negotiations. Assist with supplier qualification and evaluation. Ensure purchased materials meet company specifications and customer requirements. Track market conditions and material pricing, particularly for plastic resins and related commodities. Support continuous improvement initiatives within the purchasing and supply chain functions. Perform other purchasing and supply-chain duties as assigned. Qualifications 2+ years of purchasing/buying experience in a manufacturing environment preferred. Experience in plastic injection molding, plastics manufacturing, automotive, or related manufacturing is strongly preferred. Knowledge of plastic resins such as PP, ABS, PC, Nylon, POM, TPE/TPU, and other engineering plastics is a plus. Strong negotiation and supplier-management skills. Experience working with ERP/MRP purchasing systems. Strong Microsoft Excel and computer skills. Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to analyze pricing, inventory, lead times, and supplier performance. High school diploma required; associate or bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or a related field is preferred. Preferred Skills Knowledge of injection molding processes and manufacturing terminology. Understanding of resin specifications, material certifications, and supplier quality requirements. Experience with purchasing for automotive or Tier 1/Tier 2 manufacturing. APICS/ASCM, CPSM, or other purchasing/supply-chain certification is a plus. Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities. Ability to build productive long-term supplier relationships. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) On-time material availability Purchase price variance and cost savings Supplier on-time delivery Supplier quality performance Inventory levels and turns Purchase order accuracy Reduction of material shortages and expedited shipments Working Conditions This position is primarily office-based but requires regular interaction with the manufacturing floor, warehouse, production personnel, suppliers, and other departments. The Buyer must be comfortable working in a manufacturing environment and following applicable safety requirements. Compensation & Benefits Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications.
Benefits may include:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) and company match Paid time off and holidays Life and disability insurance Career development and training opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer:
We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants.
Pay:
$65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Referral program Vision insurance