Technical Buyer

Job Title: Technical Buyer

Reports To: VP/COO

Job Purpose

The Technical Buyer works across the company to support the growth of the business, improve our supply chains and landed costs, and ensure on-time fulfillment of components for Production and the Service organization.

The Technical Buyer performs key Supply Chain activities to ensure that Bills of Material are fulfilled to supply finished products to our customers. Key responsibilities include procurement of various items, supplier development, sourcing new products, qualifying new vendors, assisting in developing procurement strategies including resourcing as needed to maintain a strong supply chain. In this role the Technical Buyer is responsible for the end-to-end procurement of specialized materials, equipment, and services. This role requires the ability to understand complex technical specifications, evaluate suppliers based on quality and cost-effectiveness, and manage supplier relationships throughout the purchasing cycle. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Strategic sourcing: Develop and execute sourcing strategies that align with business goals for cost, quality, and delivery. This includes creating requests for information (RFIs) and requests for proposals (RFPs).
• Supplier evaluation and management: Research and evaluate potential and existing suppliers to ensure they meet the company's technical requirements and standards. Maintain strong relationships and monitor supplier performance.
• Negotiations and contracts: Negotiate prices, terms, and contracts with suppliers to secure favorable agreements while mitigating risk. This may involve complex contract provisions related to liability and warranty.
• Technical expertise: Apply technical knowledge to assess products and materials, ensuring all purchases are compatible with internal systems and projects. A technical buyer may need to collaborate with internal departments like engineering or IT for specialized purchases.
• Purchase order management: Generate, track, and manage purchase orders to ensure timely delivery and resolve any discrepancies with suppliers or invoices.
• Cost and budget control: Implement cost-reduction strategies and actively manage budgets to achieve favorable purchase price variances. Conduct market research to identify trends and opportunities for savings.
• Inventory management: Oversee optimal inventory levels for assigned commodities to support production and operational needs. 

Qualifications

• Education: A bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, or a related technical field is often required. Certifications like the Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) are also beneficial.
• Experience: At least 3–5 years of experience in procurement in manufacturing, with demonstrated experience in negotiating and managing supplier relationships.
• Skills:
  • Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
  • Proficiency with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, such as SAP or Oracle.
  • Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
  • Ability to read and understand technical specifications and blueprints.

Working Conditions

• There is some flexibility to work from home on a limited basis, but the primary work location will be at our current location at 3881 N. Greenbrooke SE, Kentwood, Michigan and then moving to our future location (planned for late Q1, 2026) at 4401 36^th St., Kentwood, Michigan.  
• Mostly stationary work with occasional movement throughout the facility to access files,

chambers, office machinery, etc. Works at a desk and a computer screen for extended periods of time. Employee must be able to manually enter data into the computer system and understand the screen and images that appear.

• Occasionally lifting up to 50 lbs is possible; Use of hands to hold, lift and handle materials.  
• Periodic travel less than 1x per month is required for visiting vendors and other facilities.

When traveling, significant portions of travel time (both car and air) may involve extended sedentary periods, subject to weather and adverse driving conditions when outside.

Direct Reports

Direct Reports:      NO

FLSA: Non-Exempt