Purchasing Buyer (Industrial Automation & Electrical Manufacturing

TBest Services is seeking a technically proficient Purchasing Buyer for our client, a certified manufacturer specializing in industrial control panels, cable and harness assemblies, and electromechanical integration systems located in Elkridge, MD. Serving defense, transportation, industrial automation, energy, telecommunications, and government markets, the company operates within a regulated, high-mix manufacturing environment.

The Purchasing Buyer will own strategic sourcing, supplier performance, and material availability to support engineering-driven production while delivering measurable cost improvements. This role requires strong procurement expertise combined with technical familiarity with electrical components, fabricated parts, and industrial automation hardware.

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies focused on total cost reduction, supplier performance, and risk mitigation
• Lead RFQ processes, supplier evaluations, and contract negotiations
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, and long-term supply agreements
• Monitor market trends and identify cost-saving and value-engineering opportunities

• Procure electrical components (breakers, relays, PLC hardware, wiring systems, power distribution) and machined or sheet metal parts
• Interpret technical drawings, BOMs, and engineering documentation to ensure accurate sourcing aligned with production requirements
• Manage MRP-driven purchasing activities, including purchase orders, lead times, and material availability
• Own material readiness and drive resolution of shortages impacting production schedules
• Evaluate and manage suppliers based on cost, quality, delivery, and responsiveness
• Own procurement KPIs including cost savings, on-time delivery, purchase price variance, and supplier performance metrics
• Support make-versus-buy decisions and supplier consolidation initiatives
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, contractual, and customer-specific sourcing requirements
• Identify supply chain risks and develop contingency sourcing strategies

• Partner with engineering, production, planning, and quality teams to resolve supply challenges and improve operational efficiency
• Participate in production planning and scheduling meetings to proactively manage material risks

• 5+ years of purchasing or supply chain experience within industrial, electrical, or manufacturing environments
• Strong familiarity with electrical components, control panel hardware, or electromechanical assemblies
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, BOMs, and engineering documentation
• Experience working in ERP/MRP-driven manufacturing environments
• Proven negotiation skills with demonstrated cost-reduction results
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities

• Technical or engineering background strongly preferred
• Experience in UL508A or regulated manufacturing environments

Employment Type: Full-Time (On-Site)

Salary: $80,000–$90,000 annually + performance-based bonus