Buyer, Supply Chain​/Logistics

Job Title:

Buyer / Purchasing Specialist

Job Description

This role oversees the end-to-end purchasing of machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, and services required for the efficient operation of the organization. The Buyer / Purchasing Specialist evaluates and selects suppliers, manages contracts, and ensures that goods and services are sourced at the best combination of cost, quality, and delivery. The position plays a key role in supply chain management by optimizing supplier performance, managing just-in-time inventory, and supporting internal teams with purchasing expertise.

Responsibilities

+ Review, evaluate, and optimize suppliers based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, and other relevant factors.

+ Approve purchases to ensure the organization receives the highest quality merchandise at the lowest possible price and in the correct quantities.

+ Approve purchase orders, solicit bid proposals, and review requisitions for goods and services to ensure accuracy and alignment with organizational needs.

+ Instruct staff on how to resolve issues related to undelivered, delayed, or incomplete goods and services.

+ Guide staff on effective methods of negotiation, renegotiation, and administration of contracts with suppliers, vendors, and other representatives.

+ Confer with internal staff, end users, and vendors to address defective or unacceptable goods or services and determine appropriate corrective actions.

+ Evaluate and monitor contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and to identify and implement necessary changes.

+ Manage just-in-time inventory to support operational continuity while controlling costs and minimizing excess stock.

+ Attend trade shows and related events to stay informed about market trends, new products, and potential suppliers.

+ Accurately document and record purchasing activities and relevant customer or client information in accordance with internal procedures.

Essential Skills

+ Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present information clearly and professionally.

+ High attention to detail and accuracy in reviewing contracts, purchase orders, and supplier documentation.

+ Proven negotiation skills with experience in securing favorable terms and conditions from suppliers.

+ Effective interpersonal skills to build and maintain productive relationships with internal stakeholders and external vendors.

+ Ability to analyze financial reports, price proposals, and other technical data to support purchasing decisions.

+ Ability to accurately document and record customer, client, and purchasing information.

+ Basic mentoring skills to provide support, coaching, and constructive performance feedback to staff involved in purchasing activities.

+ Ability to evaluate and assess suppliers based on performance, quality, and compliance.

+ Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations related to purchasing and procurement.

+ Knowledge of supply chain management principles and practices.

+ Proficiency with computer applications, including Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.

+

Experience with contracting, requests for quotations (RFQs), and contract negotiation.

+ 5-7 years of finance-related or closely related purchasing experience.

+ Bachelor's degree in finance, supply chain, or a related business field.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Experience managing just-in-time inventory processes.

+ Background in purchasing machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, or services in an operational or industrial environment.

+ Experience evaluating and monitoring contract performance and implementing changes when needed.

+ Exposure to trade shows, vendor exhibitions, or industry events to identify new products and suppliers.

+ Relevant internship experience in finance, supply chain, procurement, or a related business field will be considered toward experience requirements.

+ Ability to support and mentor team members involved in purchasing and contract administration.

+ Comfort working with RFQs, bid proposals, and competitive sourcing processes.

Work Environment

The Buyer / Purchasing Specialist works in a professional office environment with frequent interaction across finance, operations, and supply chain teams. The role relies heavily on computer-based work, including the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and other business applications to prepare purchase orders, analyze financial and pricing data, and manage supplier records. The position involves regular communication with vendors and internal stakeholders via email, phone, and virtual or in-person meetings.

Occasional travel may be required to attend trade shows or visit suppliers. The work setting emphasizes accuracy, compliance with purchasing regulations, and collaboration to support efficient and cost-effective operation

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Peoria, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $32.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements…