We are seeking a Plant Buyer to support purchasing and inventory management activities within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for managing direct and indirect material procurement, maintaining inventory levels, supporting supplier relationships, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure uninterrupted production.
The ideal candidate has strong analytical skills, purchasing experience, and a solid understanding of supply chain operations within an ERP environment.
Key Responsibilities
Purchase direct and indirect materials, supplies, equipment, and services.
Source new suppliers and support strategic sourcing initiatives.
Process purchase requisitions and purchase orders accurately and on time.
Expedite and de-expedite purchase orders as needed.
Monitor supplier performance, delivery schedules, and inventory levels.
Resolve purchasing and material availability issues.
Partner with Manufacturing, Production Planning, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to ensure uninterrupted material flow.
Prepare purchasing reports, analyze data, and recommend process improvements.
Manage shortages and communicate delivery issues with internal stakeholders.
Calculate safety stock levels and reorder points.
Improve inventory turns and reduce excess inventory using inventory management techniques.
Identify and manage obsolete and slow-moving inventory.
Support Kanban implementation for applicable product categories.
Identify cost-saving opportunities throughout the supply chain.
Ensure supplier compliance with contractual obligations.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related technical field preferred.
Equivalent combination of education and relevant purchasing experience will be considered.
Experience
3+ years of purchasing or procurement experience within a manufacturing environment.
Experience with sourcing and supplier management.
Strong understanding of inventory management principles.
Technical Skills
Experience working within MRP/ERP systems.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
Experience with SAP or Acumatica is a plus.
Required Skills
Excellent organizational and time management skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
Strong attention to detail.
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments.
Core Competencies
Communication & Collaboration
Builds strong working relationships across departments.
Communicates clearly and professionally.
Promotes teamwork and cross-functional collaboration.
Self-Management
Takes initiative and works independently.
Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability.
Maintains a high level of performance under pressure.
Accepts feedback and continually develops professionally.
Professionalism
Demonstrates sound judgment and decision-making.
Maintains current knowledge of purchasing and supply chain best practices.
Understands project management fundamentals.
Identifies opportunities for process improvement.
Follows workplace safety standards.
Leadership
Sets and works toward ambitious but achievable goals.
Takes ownership of decisions and follows through on commitments.
Physical Requirements
Regular use of a computer workstation.
Ability to inspect materials and manufacturing processes as needed.
Ability to evaluate supplier and inventory performance through plant observations.
Work Environment
Manufacturing environment with a climate-controlled office setting.
Frequent collaboration with production, planning, quality, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.