Buyer - Manufacturing - Insight Recruitment

We are seeking an experienced Buyer with a strong background in manufacturing purchasing to join our team in a key, strategic role. This position is ideal for a detail-oriented professional with expertise in ERP systems, who will be responsible for sourcing and procuring raw materials and components critical to production. As a vital member of our organization, the Buyer will ensure that materials are high-quality, competitively priced, and delivered on time. Leveraging your experience, you will play a crucial role in managing supplier relationships, streamlining procurement processes, and driving continuous improvement across the supply chain. Join us and be a part of a solid, forward-thinking company where your skills will make a lasting impact.

Position Summary

The Buyer is responsible for sourcing and procuring all assigned raw materials and components for production. This role is critical in ensuring materials are high-quality, competitively priced, and delivered within set parameters. Leveraging extensive experience in manufacturing purchasing, the Buyer will manage supplier relationships, optimize procurement processes, and drive continuous improvement across the supply chain.

Essential functions

• Purchasing Management: Lead procurement of materials based on production schedules, ensuring timely and cost-effective acquisition.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, negotiating favorable terms based on experience in the manufacturing sector.
• Issue Resolution: Proactively resolve purchase order discrepancies, supplier quality issues, and invoice disputes, utilizing a deep understanding of manufacturing requirements.
• Inventory Optimization: Work closely with the Director of Supply Chain to optimize inventory levels based on forecast demands, material lead times, and production variability.
• Vendor Performance Monitoring: Track vendor compliance with contractual terms and monitor performance to ensure consistent delivery and adherence to expectations.
• Collaboration with Engineering: Partner with cross-functional teams to support product development, BOM changes, and process improvements.
• ERP System Utilization: Expertly use the ERP system for managing procurement tasks, tracking orders, and generating critical reports.
• Communication and Problem-Solving: Regularly communicate with internal teams and suppliers to address delivery concerns, ensuring minimal disruption to production schedules.

Technical Skills:

• Solid working knowledge of supply management, production and inventory control methods and procedures.
• Proficiency in using the Microsoft Office suite and MRP software.
• Strong sense of urgency & attention to detail
• Strong problem-solving skills with a results-driven mindset, honed through extensive experience in the field.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, crucial for liaising with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and various stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and meet aggressive deadlines.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with competing demands.
• Integrity, openness, and honesty in all professional dealings.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty at a high level. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or experience: 

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or equivalent.
• Minimum of 3 years of purchasing experience within a manufacturing environment, with a proven track record of managing complex supplier networks and procurement cycles.
• Strong negotiation experience, particularly in a high-volume manufacturing setting.