Find Jobs
Find Jobs Near You – Available Work in Your Location
Buyer
Career Insights for Buyer (General)
See where this job fits in the broader career landscape. Knowing your career path helps you see what's possible from here.
Scorecard
Based on Wisconsin data
Review key factors to help you decide if this role fits your goals. How is this calculated?
What they do
A Buyer buys products, materials or services needed by a company or organization. Manages inventory and schedule for purchasing, works with vendors and negotiates contracts, monitors quality of supplies and services purchased. May work in farm products, manufacturing, trade or services industries.
$59,976 / year median in Wisconsin
-7% projected decline
Job Description
This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time. Secure and analyze supplier quotations; negotiate price, terms, and delivery to meet project cost and schedule requirements. Qualify vendors of materials, equipment, or supplies; evaluate product availability, capability, and terms of sale. Issue and track purchase orders and requisitions; expedite as needed to ensure on-time delivery. Review order confirmations for accuracy of quantity, cost, and availability; document discrepancies, including lead-time issues, and respond to ECN updates. Coordinate quality matters and engineering changes between the company and suppliers. Work with the Quality/Inspection team to resolve the disposition of rejected or non-conforming parts. Resolve invoice discrepancies and process returns in a timely manner. Read and interpret mechanical drawings and bills of materials to understand component requirements and tolerances. Maintain purchasing records and supply relevant information to accounting, sales, and production as required. Complete and maintain all required purchasing paperwork, records, and documentation. Follow and comply with all safety and work rules and regulations. Other duties as assigned. Education and/or Experience Associate's degree in supply chain, business, or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum of 3 years of purchasing or buying experience in an industrial automation environment. Ability to read and understand complex mechanical CAD drawings. Experience with supplier price negotiations. Experience with Jobscope ERP system helpful. Under the direction of the Materials Manager, the Buyer is responsible for the independent purchasing of materials, equipment, and supplies in support of custom automation projects, balancing cost, quality, and delivery requirements. This role manages the full purchase order lifecycle — from sourcing and quoting through expediting and receipt — while coordinating closely with engineering, quality, and production to ensure parts arrive on time, at the right cost, and to the required specification.