Sr. Buyer

The Sr. Buyer plays a key role in ensuring a reliable flow of materials to support manufacturing operations by executing material requirements planning (MRP), managing purchase orders, and building strong supplier relationships. This position aligns purchasing activities with production needs and inventory targets, proactively identifies and resolves supply risks, and drives continuous improvement in procurement processes and supplier performance. Within the first 90 days, the Sr.Buyer

will become proficient in the MRP system, customize processes, address accounts payable and receivable inquiries, and evaluate vendors against key performance indicators.

Responsibilities

- Procure brass forgings, fasteners, plastics, and packing material.

- Create purchase orders, compare pricing, look for discounts and quantity price breaks.

- Enter vendor acceptances and follow up on non-conformance and late deliveries.

- Update vendor information, prices, lead times, and min/max/multiples.

- Review vendor performance to improve cost and delivery.

- Source new vendors for existing parts to improve lead times and cost.

- Train Sourcing Managers, new buyers, and expeditors on Mapix/Infor/XA.

- Work with Engineering on drawing change orders, material cert requirements, and deviation request.

+ - Ensure parts are received in correctly and vendors are paid on time

Essential Skills

+ 5+ years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment, preferred.

+ Proficiency with material requirements planning (MRP) systems, including executing MRP and customizing system settings.

+ Hands-on experience with vendor management, including performance evaluation using KPIs.

+ Strong Excel skills, including working with formulas, and proficiency with the MS Office Suite.

+ Experience working with accounts payable and accounts receivable in relation to purchasing and vendor transactions.

+ Ability to read and interpret engineering blueprints and understand manufacturing processes.

+ Advanced knowledge of purchasing terminology, practices, and cost reduction methods.

+ Strong analytical and mathematical skills to support data-driven decision-making.

+ Effective negotiation skills for managing supplier terms and conditions.

+ Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including professional phone etiquette.

+ Demonstrated ability to complete tasks on time with minimal supervision, showing self-motivation and ownership.

+ Computer savvy and comfortable working with multiple systems and tools.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, logistics, quantitative fields, or equivalent work experience.

+ Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing concepts is preferred.

+ Experience tracking and reporting procurement-related KPIs and supplier performance metrics.

+ Self-driven, results-oriented mindset with a positive outlook.

+ Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams such as Sales, Customer Service, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Logistics, and Supply Chain.

+ Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

Work Environment

This role operates within a manufacturing-focused environment that relies heavily on material requirements planning (MRP) systems and digital tools for purchasing and supplier management. The Buyer works primarily in an office setting using computers and software such as MRP systems, Excel, and the MS Office Suite to analyze data, create purchase orders, and track supplier performance. The position involves regular collaboration with cross-functional teams including Sales, Customer Service, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Logistics, and Supply Chain, as well as frequent communication with external vendors by phone and email.

The work requires attention to detail, timely decision-making, and comfort working with technical documents such as engineering blueprints and manufacturing process information.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Elon, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $37.50/hr.

Eligibility…