Buyer; Supply Chain Specialist

Description

JOB TITLE: Buyer (Supply Chain Specialist)

DEPARTMENT: Supply Chain

REPORTING TO: Senior Manager of Supply Chain

Internal

Job Title:

Supply Chain Specialist

Primary Function Of Position

The Buyer (Supply Chain Specialist) is responsible for procuring and expediting raw materials (including aluminum, stainless steel, miscellaneous metals) and outside services required to support production. This role manages supplier relationships, negotiates pricing and lead times, monitors supplier performance, and ensures material availability through Lean Manufacturing, Kanban, Just-in-Time (JIT), and MRP planning methodologies. Working independently and collaboratively with Supply Chain, Planning, Production, Engineering, Quality, and Program Management, the Buyer supports customer commitments while driving continuous improvements in cost, quality, delivery, and operational performance.

• Procure raw materials, components, and outside services to support manufacturing and production schedules while meeting quality, cost, and delivery objectives.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure quality, responsiveness, competitive pricing, and on‑time delivery.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and other commercial terms with approved suppliers.
• Expedite purchase orders and proactively communicate delivery updates, delays, and recovery plans to Program Managers and internal stakeholders.
• Quote material costs from customer Bills of Material (BOMs) for Requests for Quotation (RFQs), including piece pricing, minimum order quantities, and supplier lead times.
• Monitor inventory levels and purchasing trends to optimize inventory while minimizing shortages, excess inventory, and obsolete material.
• Collaborate with Production, Planning, Engineering, Quality, and Program Management to resolve material shortages, supplier issues, and production constraints.
• Maintain accurate purchasing data, supplier information, and purchase order records within the ERP/MRP system.
• Verify and maintain purchasing quality records in accordance with Libra Industries' Quality Management System.
• Analyze Purchase Price Variance (PPV) and provide accurate cost reporting on purchased materials.
• Monitor supplier performance and participate in supplier development and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify root causes of supplier, product, or process issues and implement corrective actions.
• Complete assigned projects using appropriate project management and communication tools while supporting Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the Supply Chain department.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

REQUIRED:

• Associate's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of purchasing or procurement experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience purchasing raw materials, fabricated components, or manufacturing services preferred.
• Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and supplier relationship management skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Self‑motivated with a continuous improvement mindset.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience working in Lean Manufacturing, Kanban, or Just‑in‑Time (JIT) environments.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and blueprints.
• Experience purchasing metal commodities, electronics, or contract manufacturing components.

• This position works in both office and manufacturing environments.
• While in the manufacturing area, employees may be exposed to airborne particles, moving mechanical equipment, machinery, and material handling vehicles.
• Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn while on the production floor.

• Ability to hear, speak, and see sufficiently to…