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.
Stoughton, WI (15 minutes south of Madison) Overview We are a Stoughton, Wisconsin-based vinyl coating manufacturer seeking an experienced Buyer / Purchasing Agent to support our manufacturing operations. This position requires hands-on SAP purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment. In this role, you will manage procurement of raw materials, packaging, and MRO supplies needed to support production while working closely with plant leadership, production, and operations teams. The ideal candidate understands the pace of a manufacturing environment, is experienced working within SAP to manage purchasing transactions, and can build strong supplier relationships while controlling cost and delivery performance. This role plays an important part in maintaining production continuity by ensuring materials are sourced efficiently and available when needed. Key Responsibilities Manage and develop a portfolio of suppliers supporting raw materials, packaging, and MRO purchasing, including sourcing, supplier selection, negotiation, and ongoing performance management Negotiate pricing, contracts, and delivery terms to ensure cost competitiveness, reliability, and strong supplier relationships Utilize SAP to create and manage purchase orders, maintain procurement data, track inventory transactions, and support accurate material planning Monitor inventory levels and coordinate purchasing activities to support production schedules and material demand Partner closely with plant leadership, production, and operations teams to forecast material requirements and maintain production continuity Track supplier performance related to quality, delivery, and service, and resolve supply disruptions, shortages, or quality issues Identify opportunities for cost reduction , supplier consolidation, and process improvements Ensure purchasing activities comply with company policies and procurement best practices Required Qualifications 3+ years of purchasing or procurement experience in a manufacturing environment (raw materials, packaging, or MRO supplies preferred) Hands-on SAP experience, with daily use for purchase orders, inventory tracking, and material planning Ability to negotiate supplier pricing , contracts, and delivery terms Experienced in managing supplier relationships and evaluating supplier performance Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced production environment Excellent communication and collaboration skills , working effectively with plant leadership, production, and operations teams Familiarity with inventory management, production planning , or material forecasting Preferred /
Nice-to-Have:
Experience supporting chemical, coatings, plastics, or industrial manufacturing Track record of cost reduction initiatives, process improvements, or supplier consolidation projects Exposure to lean manufacturing or continuous improvement programs Benefits Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Account Disability & Company-Paid Life Insurance 401(k) Retirement Plan Employee Assistance Program Paid Time Off
