Senior Buyer

Location: Valley City

Job Title:

Senior Buyer

Job Description

We are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Purchasing Agent / Buyer to join a fast-paced manufacturing organization. In this vital role, you will lead the sourcing, negotiation, and purchasing of raw materials, tooling, stock and consignment parts, and services essential to daily operations. You will help maintain optimal inventory levels, support accurate production planning, and drive cost-effective sourcing strategies while working closely with operations, production, and suppliers.

This position offers the opportunity to influence supply chain efficiency, support an evolving ERP environment, and contribute directly to the seamless flow of goods across the organization.

Responsibilities

+ Develop and execute purchasing strategies aligned with organizational goals, focusing on cost savings, quality improvements, and supply reliability.

+ Source and qualify suppliers through comprehensive market research, RFQs (Requests for Quotations), and structured supplier evaluations.

+ Negotiate prices, terms, delivery schedules, and contractual agreements with vendors to secure favorable commercial and service conditions.

+ Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including production planning, operations, logistics, and inventory management, to forecast material needs and ensure continuity of supply.

+ Create, manage, and track purchase orders within ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle EBS, IQMS, DCD, or similar platforms, ensuring accuracy and compliance with internal procedures.

+ Monitor order status proactively, expedite deliveries when necessary, and resolve issues related to delays, shortages, or discrepancies.

+ Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of procurement activities, contracts, supplier performance metrics, and pricing agreements.

+ Conduct regular reviews of inventory levels using materials management and MRP principles to optimize stock levels and reduce excess, obsolete, or slow-moving inventory.

+ Coordinate logistics activities related to inbound shipments, including scheduling deliveries, supporting customs clearance where applicable, and ensuring timely receipt of goods.

+ Support inventory control processes, including cycle counts and reconciliations, to maintain inventory accuracy and support production needs.

+ Analyze pricing trends, lead times, and supplier performance to identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement.

+ Work closely with manufacturing and operations teams to ensure material availability aligns with production schedules and merchandising or stocking practices.

+ Leverage e-commerce platforms and online sourcing tools to identify alternative suppliers, obtain competitive quotes, and enhance sourcing options.

+ Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in procurement, inventory management, and ERP/MRP processes, especially during system changes or implementations.

+ Provide clear and timely communication to internal stakeholders and suppliers regarding order status, changes, and expectations.

Essential Skills

+ Hands-on purchasing or buying experience within a manufacturing environment, supporting raw materials, tooling, and inventory procurement.

+ Proficiency using ERP systems for procurement transactions and inventory control, preferably IQMS or DCD, with familiarity in systems such as SAP or Oracle EBS.

+ Strong knowledge of materials management and MRP (Material Requirements Planning) principles and their application in a manufacturing setting.

+ Solid understanding of supply chain management principles, including demand planning, lead times, and supplier performance management.

+ Demonstrated expertise in sourcing strategies, supplier negotiations, and contract management to maximize value and mitigate risk.

+

Experience with procurement processes, including use of e-commerce platforms and online sourcing tools.

+ Ability to analyze pricing trends, evaluate quotes, and make data-driven purchasing decisions.

+ Proven capability to manage inventory levels, support inventory accuracy, and participate in cycle counts or similar controls.

+ Understanding of production planning, merchandising practices, and inventory management best practices in a manufacturing context.

+ Strong communication skills for effective negotiation with vendors and clear collaboration with cross-functional teams.

+ Ability to work accurately and efficiently in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities.

+ Competence with data entry and maintaining detailed, accurate procurement and inventory records.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Experience supporting a high-impact manufacturing operation with complex material and tooling requirements.

+ Familiarity with ERP implementation or transition projects, particularly moving from one ERP platform to another.

+ Comfort working with evolving systems and operational processes and contributing feedback to improve them.

+ Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and…