Buyer, Business

Job Purpose

Efficient procurement of direct and indirect goods for the manufacturing facility, ensuring alignment with company values, and collaborating with cross‑functional teams to drive cost savings, improve procurement processes, and manage supplier relationships. Target cost‑saving initiatives and provide strategic insights to optimize procurement operations.

• Leverage data analysis and supplier management to optimize purchasing operations and achieve annual cost‑saving and productivity goals.
• Purchase goods and services in accordance with the company’s ethics and values.
• Work directly with various internal departments to drive cost savings and develop efficiencies in the current purchasing process.
• Create, review, evaluate and/or approve purchase requisitions within the company’s ERP system to ensure accuracy and timeliness to meet business needs.
• Negotiate pricing and agreements with existing suppliers and maintain accurate documentation.
• Communicate with suppliers through various channels.
• Ensure receipt of vendor documents including quotes and acknowledgments.
• Work with Sr. Buyer to maintain proper audit documentation by obtaining, reviewing, and filing documents related to the purchasing process.
• Track, review, and determine steps to manage suppliers and order status on a day‑to‑day basis to ensure business requests are met in a timely manner.
• Review supplier past‑due report on a weekly basis and work with assigned supplier to minimize late orders.
• Provide data and subsequent analysis to management and other end users.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies related to receiving, pricing, and quality issues with suppliers.
• Lead and manage assigned cost‑savings projects by collaborating with internal and external stakeholders for assigned commodity categories.
• Participate in quarterly business reviews with vendors.
• Travel up to 15% of the time for visits to suppliers and other production facilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Customer Service:
  Develop and maintain strong relationships by listening, understanding, and responding to identified needs in a timely manner.
• Analytical
  
  Skills:
  
  Use data to identify patterns and trends, draw conclusions, and solve problems.
• Problem‑solving:
  Identify the problem, understand the issues, and determine methods to rectify the situation.
• Teamwork and Cooperation:
  Work cooperatively within diverse teams, work groups, and across the organization to achieve group and organizational goals.
• Communication:
  Articulate complex matters and effectively express ideas and information in a clear and organized manner, so it is understood by others, both orally and in writing.

Education: Associate degree in a related field or equivalent experience.

• 1 year of experience in procurement, vendor management, or supply chain management which includes but is not limited to: familiarity with basic procurement processes and purchase order creation, developing and managing vendor relationships, and conducting cost analysis.
• Exposure to manufacturing environments or industries related to the company's core business (e.g., industrial, educational, or custom furnishings).

Licenses/Certificates: None

Technology/Equipment: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite with advanced knowledge of Excel and experience working with ERP systems.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business administration, or related field.

• 3 years of experience in procurement, ideally within a manufacturing environment which includes but is not limited to: driving cost savings initiatives, managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, sourcing strategies, project management, and cross‑functional collaboration.

Licenses/Certificates: None

Technology/Equipment: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) – Insight

Sitting for long periods of time, 6–8 hours per day. Walking, speaking, hearing, and seeing. Listen and observe the environment for hazard prevention. Use hands for tools and typing. Semi‑frequently lift up to 15 lbs.…