Buyer, Business

The Buyer is a strategic contributor to our supply chain operations reporting to the Purchasing Manager. They are accountable for the proactive and efficient management of material flow to meet demanding production schedules. This role requires exceptional analytical acumen and proven negotiation excellence to secure favorable terms, pricing, and contracts with key/high-volume suppliers. The Buyer will be the primary liaison between supply chain and production, ensuring all purchasing decisions are data-driven, compliant, and maintain the planned inventory levels necessary to support the company's quality standards and operational goals.

I. Education and Experience

• Education or Equivalent
  
  Experience:
  
  Candidates must possess one of the following:
  • A Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
  • OR A minimum of three (3) or more years of direct, relevant experience as a Buyer, Purchasing Agent, or in a similar procurement/sourcing role.
• Industry Knowledge: Proven exposure to procurement processes within a relevant industry or product sector is required.

II. Core Skills and Proficiencies

• Analytical Acumen: Strong capability to analyze data, including supplier quotes and spending trends, to make timely, sound, and data-driven purchasing decisions under pressure.
• Inventory Management
  
  Skills:
  
  Proven understanding of inventory control principles, including managing stock levels, setting reorder points, and ensuring supply continuity while minimizing excess.
• Technology Proficiency:
  • High Proficiency in the full Microsoft Suite, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams.
  • Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Epicor, etc.) or other dedicated procurement software.
• Strong Cross-Functional Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to relay information clearly and collaborate effectively across all internal departments (e.g., Finance, Production).
• Problem-Solving: Proactive and effective approach to resolving supply chain issues, vendor discrepancies, and unforeseen procurement challenges.
• Organizational
  
  Skills:
  
  Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines, with a high sense of urgency and commitment to being highly organized.
• Attitude & Drive: Must possess a positive attitude and an eagerness to learn and adapt to new challenges, showing a strong commitment to the team's success.
• Service Oriented: A mindset focused on internal customer needs and providing high-quality, reliable support to operational groups.
• Documentation & Compliance: High level of attention to detail for creating accurate purchase orders (POs) and ensuring compliance with purchasing policies and ethical standards.
• Negotiation Excellence: Demonstrated ability to independently negotiate prices, terms, and contracts with suppliers to secure favorable outcomes and cost savings.

This job description does not represent an all-inclusive list of all the duties required for this position, but serves as a tool to assist in the position. The existence of this job description does not in any way negate "at-will" employment as defined by the State of Indiana.