BUYER

Position Summary

The Buyer is responsible for managing the supply and material pipeline to support customer demand and manufacturing operations. This role combines purchasing, inventory planning, supplier management, and data analysis to ensure the timely availability of purchased materials and subcontracted components. The position works closely with suppliers, operations, sales, and customer teams to analyze demand trends, maintain material availability, identify supply risks, and support continuous improvement of supply chain performance.

The ideal candidate will have 2-3 years of experience in purchasing, supply chain, materials planning, or inventory management within a manufacturing environment, along with strong analytical and Excel skills. This individual should be comfortable working with data, identifying trends, solving supply challenges, and collaborating across multiple functions to support business objectives.

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Key Responsibilities

Purchasing & Material Management

• Monitor and manage the supply pipeline for purchased materials and subcontracted components.
• Review purchase requirements and place, expedite, reschedule, or cancel purchase orders based on changing demand and inventory levels.
• Coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials while minimizing inventory risk.
• Identify and resolve material shortages, supply constraints, and delivery issues that could impact production or customer requirements.
• Manage open purchase orders and maintain accurate order status information.

Forecasting & Demand Analysis

• Analyze customer forecasts, EDI releases, and demand signals to identify significant changes, trends, and potential supply risks.
• Review forecast variances and communicate potential shortages, excess inventory, or capacity concerns to Sales, Operations, and Supply Chain leadership.
• Support customer forecast reviews and participate in discussions regarding future demand requirements.
• Collaborate with Operations to ensure production capabilities align with customer demand expectations.

Supplier Management

• Maintain effective working relationships with domestic and international suppliers.
• Monitor supplier on-time delivery performance and drive corrective actions when necessary.
• Support supplier communications related to forecasts, material requirements, delivery schedules, and performance expectations.
• Assist with cost management initiatives and supplier pricing discussions as needed.

Documentation & Logistics Coordination

• Review supplier invoices and validate pricing, quantities, and supporting documentation prior to processing.
• Coordinate cargo release activities and support international shipment planning, including weekly ocean consolidations.
• Ensure quality documentation, certifications, and supplier records are maintained and properly archived.
• Support import/export documentation requirements as applicable.

Data & Systems Management

• Maintain accurate item master data, lead times, supplier information, and purchasing parameters within the ERP system.
• Review inventory, purchasing, and supplier performance data to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and maintain reports, metrics, and analysis tools using Excel and ERP system data.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on inventory optimization, service levels, and supply chain efficiency.