Material Buyer II

Position Summary

The Materials Buyer II is responsible for ordering materials and components critical to wire and cable manufacturing (copper/aluminum conductors, insulation compounds, jacketing materials, optical fiber, armoring, fillers, tapes, reels, packaging, etc.). This role drives cost reduction, secures supply continuity in volatile commodity markets, and partners closely with Engineering, Quality, and Production to support new product introductions and sustained manufacturing excellence.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Source and procure raw materials (e.g., copper, aluminum, thermoplastic/elastomeric compounds, fillers, conductors, tapes, and shielding materials) to meet MRP/ERP requirements and production demands.
• Issue purchase orders, amendments, and releases; monitor order status, expedite or defer deliveries as needed to align with changing production schedules and inventory levels.
• Monitor MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) inventory levels and issue timely purchase orders to maintain adequate stock and support uninterrupted operations.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, lead times, quality specifications, and delivery conditions with suppliers to achieve best total value while maintaining quality and supply reliability.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, conducting supplier reviews as necessary.
• Collaborate closely with production planning, engineering, quality assurance, and inventory teams to resolve material shortages, specification issues, or quality concerns.
• Support the accounts payable process, resolving invoice discrepancies as necessary.
• Monitor market trends, commodity pricing, and supply-chain risks (geopolitical, raw material shortages, etc.)
• Ensure compliance with company policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO, REACH, Conflict Minerals, Anti-Bribery)
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Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field
• 4-7+ years of progressive procurement/purchasing experience.
• Strong experience with strategic sourcing methodologies
• Professional certification preferred: CPSM, CPM, CSCP, or CPIM preferred

Key Skills & Competencies

• Proficient in ERP/MRP systems (Microsoft Dynamics preferred) for procurement and inventory management.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities for supplier and internal stakeholder interactions.
• Detail-oriented with solid organizational and time-management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel for data analysis and cost modeling).
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, plant-floor environment.

Physical Demands

• Must distinguish colors and pass a colorblind test
• Finger dexterity and hand/eye coordination for operation of office equipment, including PC
• Sitting for periods of time, working at a desk in office environment
• Light lifting, carrying of files, supplies, ability to move, carry, lift up to 30 lbs. of objects
• Ability to speak and hear customers, vendors, and or other employees via phone or in person
• Requires sufficient autonomy, standing and walking to move for one office location to another and throughout the plant

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

An Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer

Proterial Cable America provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. As a Federal Contractor, we encourage priority referral of protected veterans under VEVRAA.