Category Buyer

Position Summary

Category Buyer – Tulsa, OK

• Procure assigned category items across North America Infrastructure Operations facilities, ensuring timely deliveries and shipment accuracy.
• Commit funds, participate in strategic business decisions, and act as liaison between Valmont and suppliers.
• Create and manage purchase orders from issuance to delivery for internal or external customers.
• Collaborate with Project Administrators, Manufacturing Sites, and Customer Service Representatives to fulfill and prioritize demands.
• Follow all supplier contracts and agreements set by the Global Commodity Management Team.
• Work closely with suppliers to resolve issues, escalating as needed.
• Compile and summarize raw material demands across all North America Infrastructure Operations facilities.
• Request quotes from suppliers when no current contract exists for a commodity.
• Place purchase orders in a timely manner to meet demand.
• Aggregate demand for category items, review regularly with Global Commodity Manager and Materials teams.
• Monitor system reports across multiple sites for purchase orders, perform due diligence to resolve discrepancies.
• Ensure contract adherence and manage supplier capacity to efficiently meet demand.
• Confirm receipt of purchase order confirmations from suppliers and communicate internally across multiple sites.
• Complete documentation and compliance actions for all purchase orders.
• Monitor status reports, hold regular status meetings with suppliers and internal stakeholders at multiple sites.
• Identify and lead process improvement activities to optimize resource utilization for the category, engaging stakeholders at facilities to support change.
• Maintain outstanding internal customer satisfaction and relationships between the supply base and Valmont Industries, Inc.
• Manage claims for rejected material with suppliers.
• Manage invoicing discrepancies and coordinate with Accounts Payable for timely credit/debit reconciliation.
• Manage open purchase orders, including expedites, quantity or other date changes.
• Ensure transactional accuracy for all purchases.
• Participate in scorecards and surveys related to suppliers.
• Participate in lean initiative events.
• Collaborate with Global Commodity Managers on supplier development and management.
• Review purchasing standard work procedures for improvements to increase customer satisfaction and/or reduce cost.
• Act as backup for other central buyers.
• Report directly to a Senior Manager, Purchasing.

• Preferred:
  Bachelors degree with 3+ years of experience OR Associates degree with 5+ years relevant experience OR 7+ years of relevant experience.
• Six months of experience in a production/manufacturing environment or a material control role.
• Ability to work independently and in a team, building relationships at all employee levels.
• Organize and manage multiple simultaneous priorities, meeting aggressive deadlines.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in a fast‐paced environment.
• Judgment and decision‑making skills with cost/benefit analysis.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

• Previous experience in sales, operations, operations planning, master scheduling, production planning, inventory control or production control within an MRP/ERP environment.
• Knowledge of customer service functions and shipping procedures.
• APICS (C.P.I.M.), CSCP, or Certified Purchasing Manager or Certified Professional in Inventory Management certification.

• Operating primarily in an office setting with extended periods of sitting.
• May require walking, handling files, and using hands to type and operate computer equipment.
• Occasional lifting of up to 30 pounds.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and occasional need to travel by plane.

• Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental, vision)
• 401k retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Employer-paid short‑term and long‑term disability (including maternity leave)
• Work‑life support
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per year
• Voluntary programs (tobacco cessation, Type2 diabetes reversal, one‑on‑one health coaching, mortgage services)

Valmont does not discriminate against any employee or applicant in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you have a disability and require assistance in filling out the application for employment, please email