Buyer, Business

SUMMARY

The Buyer I is responsible for coordinating and continuously improving the procurement, planning, scheduling, and negotiation of materials, components, equipment, supplies, and services to support company operations at optimal cost, lead time, and service levels. This role exercises a strong working knowledge of goods, services and supply sources to ensure on-time delivery and purchases at prices consistent with quality and quantity requirements.

The Buyer I plans and schedules purchased materials and services in accordance with MRP requirements, established purchasing procedures, and customer needs. Additionally, this role coordinates activities with cross‑functional teams throughout the organization and effectively leverages processes, facilities, and strong business relationships to meet or exceed company goals and objectives.

• Selects, orders, and coordinates materials and services for production, office, and staff requirements based on engineering and specifications, while driving continuous improvement in cost, quality, service, delivery performance, and lead times.
• Measures supplier performance and takes the appropriate steps to ensure improvement by working closely with suppliers and internal plant functional areas to reduce defective or unacceptable goods and services. Initiates corrective actions as needed.
• Processes purchase orders, change orders, order acknowledgements, RMAs, and other transactions on a daily basis using the MRP system and related ancillary tools, including supporting databases and spreadsheets.
• Supports continuous improvement of purchasing processes and documentation, including compliance with AS9100 requirements.
• Estimates material and service values based on knowledge of market pricing, trends, and conditions.
• Coordinates purchasing activities with Manufacturing, Planning, Engineering, and Quality to ensure materials are acquired in a timely and cost‑effective manner to support delivery schedules.
• Investigates and resolves invoicing, pricing, and freight discrepancies in collaboration with Finance and other internal departments.
• Optimizes the supplier base by negotiating improved pricing, terms, and conditions with existing suppliers within established budgetary limitations and scope of authority.
• Assists in maintaining appropriate inventory levels to meet operational requirements while collaborating with Supply Chain team members to achieve company inventory objectives.
• Maintains accurate purchasing records and systems consistent with professional purchasing and record‑keeping standards.
• Participates in continuous improvement initiatives, including Kaizen, Lean, Six Sigma activities, and other special projects as assigned.

This role does not include direct supervisory responsibility for other employees, however, it provides opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the organization.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four‑year college or university;
  Business, Supply Chain, or technical discipline preferred.
• One (1) to three (3) years of progressive experience in purchasing or related roles is desired; experience purchasing cable and electronic components is preferred.
• Demonstrated materials management skills, including sourcing, supplier quality, contract administration, inventory control, supplier selection and technical development, transactional management, and strong critical‑thinking and problem‑solving abilities.
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proven negotiation skills and experience interfacing effectively with suppliers.
• Experience working with ERP systems; familiarity with SAP MM and PP modules is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint is required; advanced Microsoft…