Junior Buyer

The Junior Buyer supports day-to-day purchasing and material availability by managing purchase orders, supplier communication, order expediting, inventory follow-up, and purchasing records. This role works closely with suppliers, Customer Service, warehouse personnel, and other internal partners to help ensure accurate pricing, reliable delivery, adequate stock availability, and continuity of production and customer orders.

• Analyze MRP requirements, supplier lead times, and customer demand to prepare and issue purchase orders.
• Confirm supplier receipt of purchase orders and verify pricing, quantities, and delivery dates against order requirements.
• Monitor open and past-due purchase orders; contact suppliers, reschedule receipts, and expedite rush or critical orders as needed.
• Manage inventory health reporting and coordinate with buyers and warehouse personnel to support adequate stock availability.
• Expedite aftermarket parts and customer orders, including follow-up related to damaged or replacement materials.
• Communicate delivery risks and revised delivery dates to Customer Service when requested dates cannot be met.
• Respond to quote requests from Customer Service for customer parts orders.
• Maintain purchasing records, including items purchased, costs, deliveries, product performance, and inventory information.
• Act as a liaison among suppliers, Customer Service, warehouse personnel, and other internal or external contacts to resolve purchasing and delivery issues.
• Identify issues that may disrupt the production schedule, coordinate corrective action, and elevate vendor or purchasing concerns to management when appropriate.
• Enter expense purchase orders as needed and handle related supplier correspondence.
• Participate in Lean and continuous-improvement activities that improve fill rate, purchasing efficiency, and overall business performance.

• Working knowledge of procurement practices and purchasing processes.
• Ability to evaluate suppliers based on pricing, quality, delivery performance, and other relevant factors.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond with an appropriate sense of urgency in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, collaborate across functions, and influence outcomes without direct authority.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Three to five years of related purchasing or procurement experience.

• Experience using MRP, APS, or similar purchasing and planning modules.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics AX or a comparable ERP system.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience working with international suppliers.
• Experience in the meat, food-processing, or related industrial equipment industry.

This position is based in Kansas City, Missouri