Buyer

Reporting to the Materials Manager, the Buyer is responsible for the timely and strategic procurement of assigned commodities, ensuring alignment with cost, quality, and delivery requirements, as well as conformance to applicable specifications. This role plays a key part in supporting cross-functional project teams, collaborating closely with engineering, production, and quality departments to meet dynamic project timelines and evolving material needs. The Buyer is also responsible for maintaining strong vendor relationships to secure high-quality materials at competitive prices, ensuring on-time delivery to support both internal operations and customer commitments.

* Collaborates with cross-functional teams to support project-based procurement ensuring alignment with engineering specifications, timelines, and budget constraints.
* Reviews project requisitions and initiates timely ordering of materials based on project schedules and MRP demand signals.
* Maintains ERP system data, including supplier lead times, part specifications, and inventory status, to ensure accurate planning and execution.
* Sources and evaluates suppliers for technical capability, cost competitiveness, and delivery performance, with a focus on complex or custom-engineered components.
* Prepares and analyzes RFQs, negotiates pricing and delivery terms, and awards contracts in accordance with project requirements and company policies.
* Manages supplier communications to confirm availability, lead times, and delivery schedules, proactively addressing potential delays or risks.
* Supports engineering change processes by managing phase-in/phase-out of components, ensuring minimal disruption to production and avoiding obsolete inventory buildup.
* Monitors and maintains procurement records, including cost history, supplier performance, and quality issues, to support continuous improvement and traceability. Lead Quarterly Business Reviews with key suppliers.
* Works closely with Quality and Engineering teams to resolve non-conformances and implement corrective actions for purchased materials.
* Leads or participates in supplier development initiatives and continuous improvement projects to enhance supply chain efficiency and reliability.
* Verifies specifications and nomenclature of purchase requests, ensuring alignment with technical drawings and BOMs.
* Reviews and approves supplier invoices, ensuring consistency with purchase orders and negotiated terms.
* Expedites critical or late orders to meet project milestones and customer commitments.

* Supports international sourcing and negotiation efforts, considering total landed cost and compliance requirements.
* Actively manages inventory lifecycle, including identifying at-risk or obsolete parts and coordinating disposition or replacement strategies.
* Performs other related duties as assigned in support of project and organizational goals.

* A team player with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Strong organizational skills and detailed oriented.
* Reads and interprets documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
* Strong understanding of MRP (Material Requirements Planning) master data management, including lead times, safety stock, order policies, and procurement parameters, with the ability to develop and execute effective buying strategies that align with production and project demands.
* Calculates figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra, geometry, and blueprint reading.
* Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. The ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
* Understands and supports KPI's in daily work.
* Experienced/proficient in Microsoft Applications (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.)
* Demonstrated expertise in sourcing and procuring forged, cast, and precision-machined components, with a strong understanding of associated manufacturing processes, material specifications, and quality requirements.
* Proven experience in sourcing and managing procurement of electronic components, control systems, and embedded hardware, including sensors, PLCs, HMIs, PCBs, connectors, and wiring harnesses.
* Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment, managing multiple priorities and adapting quickly to shifting project demands and timelines.

* Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

* 3+ years' related experience.

* Experience working in an Engineer-to-Order (ETO) environment, with a strong understanding of custom product lifecycles, cross-functional collaboration, and the procurement of components based on evolving engineering specifications.