Technical Buyer

Responsible for the development and implementation of production, purchase and inventory plans to support manufacturing and sales requirements. Communicate and coordinate vendor shipments to ensure product availability to maximize production schedule and sales while minimizing inventory investment.

• Recommends, enters, and tracks purchase orders for domestic and international procurement of raw materials and technical equipment based on the production schedule, sales forecast, and targeted inventory levels.
• Analyzes and compares shipping schedules to open orders, communicates, and reconciles all discrepancies with vendors and identifies product availability issues to Sales and Operations management.
• Develops productive relationships with vendors and hold vendors accountable.
• Monitors the production schedule to ensure timely availability of product. Work with vendors’ schedule and shipping methods to assist Production Planning with schedule conflicts and constraints.
• Understand material specifications, support the identification of new suppliers, evaluate suppliers, and sustain supplier value added/value engineered activities.
• Reviews, enters, and maintains work orders and purchase orders pertaining to outside processing of HHI owned materials.
• Receives internal purchase requisitions, work with vendors in an RFQ process, and place purchase orders based on the outcome.
• Attends product team meetings and coordinates all Materials issues for new product introductions.
• Controls all product phase-outs and end of life to minimize inventory exposure.
• Coordinates and tracks all Engineering Change Requests to control and ensure utilization of inventory.
• Plan and control inventory by demonstrating complete ownership and accountability for all assigned products.

• Bachelor's Degree preferably in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering or related.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in procurement supporting custom and standard manufactured products.
• Working knowledge of Outlook, Excel, Microsoft Teams, PowerPoint, and Word.
• The ability to read engineering drawings and specifications.
• Thorough knowledge of MRP and other inventory planning techniques, including a clear understanding of procurement best practices. JDE experience a plus.
• Demonstrated abilities in communication (both verbal and written), organization and persuasion are essential. Summarizing and presenting data.
• Demonstrated project management skills showing ability to initiate, prioritize and drive projects with external supply partners to completion.
• Must be innovative, proactive and motivated with a focus on continued improvement including cost savings initiatives.
• Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision and as a member of cross-functional teams.
• Strong negotiation, communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong organization skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to be self-directed to consistently meet internal customer and external supplier needs on sensitive issues.

• Ability to sit 6+ hours a day

• Ability to handle job related stress.
• Ability to learn, understand and explain our technical products.
• Interact with others in a focused, positive, courteous, respectful and professional business-like manner.
• Regular attendance is an essential element of the job. Unplanned absences have the potential to impair the operation of the department and diminish effectiveness of the company.

Columbus McKinnon Corporation promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other Federal or State legally-protected classes.

We also value the safety of all associates and work hard to maintain a Drug Free Workplace.