Project Buyer

Career Opportunities with Central States Industrial (CSI)

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The Project Buyer is responsible for managing procurement activities for products and services, with a strong focus on supply chain performance, project execution, and strategic sourcing. This role requires a deep understanding of supplier relationships, pricing, lead times, inventory planning for complex projects, and delivery logistics to maintain optimal stock levels during the project duration.

This position will work closely with Engineers, Project Managers, Designers, and Manufacturing to align purchasing actions with project schedules, facilitate the Instrument List process, and support material readiness. Responsibilities include evaluating RFQs, formulating supplier selection and negotiation strategy to drive optimal pricing, obtain competitive bids, and purchase products and services. You will recommend substitutions, manage vendor performance, review corrective action reports, and ensure timely delivery.

The position is ideal for someone who is organized, detail-oriented, and eager to grow within purchasing and supply chain operations. Success in this role requires strong communication, accountability, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while learning how purchasing decisions impact operational success.

CSI provides state-of-the-art stainless-steel process equipment and service for manufacturers in the food, dairy, beverage, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries.

We are a growing company built on teamwork, continuous learning, and exceptional customer service. Our employees are our greatest resource, and we invest in their development through training, collaboration, and opportunities to grow.

• Manage Purchasing
  
  Activities:
  
  Create and manage purchase orders, solicit quotes, negotiate pricing and terms, and ensure materials are purchased and delivered on time to support operational and project needs.
• Manage Suppliers & Vendor Relationships: Identify and develop qualified vendors, maintain positive supplier relationships, negotiate favorable terms, resolve quality and delivery issues, and ensure vendors meet CSI specifications and requirements.
• Monitor Inventory & Supply Chain: Maintain appropriate inventory levels, monitor lead times and late materials, identify supply chain risks, coordinate expedites and substitutions, and minimize excess, slow-moving, or obsolete inventory.
• Ensure Data & ERP Accuracy: Maintain accurate part records, supplier price lists, vendor information, purchase orders, lead times, pricing, and other ERP data while ensuring information is complete, current, and consistent across systems.
• Collaborate Across Departments: Partner with Finance, Operations, Engineering, Quality, Customer Service, Fabrication, Field Services, Process Engineering, and Project Management to support quotes, orders, material requirements, specifications, and customer needs.
• Support Projects & Technical Procurement: Provide purchasing support for custom and manufactured products, assist with Instrument Lists and project procurement requirements, distribute RFQs based on customer and engineering specifications, and develop technical product knowledge.
• Drive Communication, Compliance & Continuous Improvement: Proactively communicate material status and potential delays, resolve receiving and return issues, maintain purchasing documentation, follow established procedures and project checklists, complete required ERP training, and support a safe, productive workplace.

• High School Diploma or equivalent, required
• College coursework in Procurement, Supply Chain, or Inventory Management, preferred

• 2+ years of experience in purchasing, customer service, operations, logistics, inventory, or related field, preferred
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel, required
• ERP experience preferred, but not required
• Sanitary stainless-steel industry background, helpful

• Competitive compensation: $27-$30 per hour.
• Growth-focused, team-oriented culture

CSI offers a competitive benefits package including:

• Health and wellness benefits
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education support
• Opportunities for internal career advancement
• Company lunches, team events, and community volunteer opportunities

Our environment emphasizes accountability, respect, teamwork, and continuous learning.

This role is primarily office-based, Monday-Friday, with limited travel. It requires extended computer use, effective communication, and occasional movement within industrial environments. Light physical activity, including standing, bending, and lifting up to 20 pounds, may be required.

CSI is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities…