Senior Buyer

Now Hiring:
Senior Buyer – Raw Materials & Manufacturing

Location:

Detroit, MI

Salary Range: $84,000.00-$92,000.00

We are seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to lead the procurement of raw materials, specifically aluminum and steel (sheet and plate), along with tools, hardware, and purchased components that directly support our manufacturing operations. This role is hands‑on and execution‑focused, working closely with production, engineering, and quality to ensure material availability, cost control, and supplier performance.

This position plays a critical role in supporting production continuity in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment while operating within applicable regulatory and customer requirements.

• Own procurement of raw materials, including aluminum and steel (sheet and plate), managing supplier sourcing, pricing, lead times, and availability
• Source, evaluate, and manage suppliers to ensure quality, cost efficiency, and on‑time delivery
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and agreements with suppliers, including service centers and component vendors
• Issue and manage purchase orders, monitor delivery schedules, and proactively resolve shortages or delays
• Partner with production, engineering, and quality teams to align material supply with manufacturing requirements
• Monitor supplier performance, maintain vendor scorecards, and drive corrective actions when needed
• Maintain accurate procurement and supplier data within ERP and related tracking systems
• Support cost‑reduction, value engineering, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and customer requirements including ITAR and ISO 9001 where applicable
• Mentor and support junior purchasing staff by sharing best practices and process guidance
• Stay informed on raw material market conditions, supplier capacity, and cost drivers to mitigate risk

• Demonstrated experience purchasing raw materials in a manufacturing environment (strongly preferred)
• Experience sourcing metals, tooling, hardware, or production components supporting shop‑floor operations
• Strong knowledge of supplier sourcing, vendor management, contract negotiation, and cost analysis
• Proven ability to manage suppliers beyond PO processing, including performance, risk, and escalation
• Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment
• Highly analytical, detail‑oriented, and execution‑focused

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.

5–10+ years of purchasing or procurement experience, with preference for candidates who have owned raw material categories in manufacturing.

This role offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on daily manufacturing operations by owning critical material categories and supplier relationships. If you enjoy hands‑on sourcing, supplier engagement, and working closely with production teams to keep material flowing, this role puts you at the center of the operation.