Buyer, Supply Chain​/Logistics

Manitou Group is purposefully committed to its people. Based on a “One United Team” focus, we internationally cultivate a purpose‑driven and agile work environment. As an equal opportunity employer, we cultivate, build and elevate more than 6000 employees across more than 30 countries with six main plants and numerous subsidiaries worldwide.

• Type:
  Permanent
• Location:
  
  Madison, South Dakota, United States
• Salary: $26.50 – $33.00 per hour – plus quarterly bonus based on performance metrics (actual pay determined by experience, skills, qualifications & work location)
• Travel: minimal, up to 5%

Under the supervision of the Materials Planning Supervisor, you will establish and maintain effective and ethical business relationships with suppliers for all types of materials, supplies, services, and equipment required by Manitou. You will manage vendors and parts (70%) to ensure on‑time delivery of goods and services that meet all quality requirements at the best possible cost.

You will also serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system (30%) ensuring all users are appropriately skilled and comfortable navigating company tools effectively. You will work with leadership to promote alignment with strategic initiatives and identify needs for knowledge sharing, including developing, implementing and communicating company objectives.

• Manage supplier relationships to ensure suppliers can deliver needed materials, supplies, services, and equipment that satisfy quality, price, and delivery requirements.
• Evaluate current and prospective suppliers in terms of quality, price, reliability, on‑time delivery, and total cost.
• Develop reliable sources of supply, minimize total costs of purchased goods, and simplify purchasing operations by establishing and managing annual purchase agreements.
• Work with the corporate Sourcing team regarding terms of annual purchase agreements, standard purchase orders, and other contracts to achieve the best mix of quality, price, discounts, and other costs.
• Maintain effective verbal and written communications with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Control, Shipping/Receiving, and all other departments to perform primary responsibilities.
• Initiate routine documentation and transactions for procurement of goods and services in accordance with approved procedures and management directions.
• Conduct required correspondence with vendors to obtain quotations, expedite deliveries, and monitor status of vendor activities, effect cancellations, and change purchase orders.
• Develop and prepare reports on a periodic and “as needed” basis to reflect the status and performance level of purchasing activities, vendor progress, and other assigned activities.
• Perform ongoing analysis of purchasing procedures to simplify operations of purchasing and suppliers.
• Recommend and revise material to reflect nuances or enhancements in internal processes.
• Collaborate with internal sites/departments to improve business processes related to employee training and product support.
• Encourage participation and open communication by providing regular feedback of new technology and processes to the users as well as upper management.

One to three years of progressive experience in purchasing practices and procedures.

• Strategic understanding of purchasing practices/procedures
• Ability/willingness to be an effective SME in related specialties or categories
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Working knowledge of manufacturing (machining, fabrication, and assembly operations)
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines
• Demonstrated good judgment, self‑motivation, and initiative
• Strong computer skills, MS Office (especially Excel) or Google Workspace (particularly Sheets)
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully with people inside and outside the organization
• Excellent customer service skills – dedicated and dependable
• Working knowledge and skills of an ERP system and related modules
• Adaptability to changing ERP needs and fostering change while promoting organizational objectives

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, or similar discipline preferred
• Industry experience preferred

• Base Pay Range: $26.50 – $33.00 per hour
• Potential quarterly bonus based on performance metrics
• Comprehensive benefits:
  Medical/Dental/Vision, 401(k) matching, tuition reimbursement, volunteer program, wellness activities, employee and family activities throughout the year
• Travel: minimal, up to 5%
• Eligibility:
  Must be authorized to work in the United States
• Equal Opportunity
  
  Employer:
  
  Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status or disability status