SUMMARY

The Buyer is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing the flow of raw materials, components, and production supplies essential to manufacturing operations. This role ensures materials are available on time, in the right quantity and quality, and at the best possible cost while maintaining efficient warehouse operations. In addition to purchasing and expediting, the position will help oversee inventory accuracy, storage organization, and timely distribution to production lines, supporting lean manufacturing goals and preventing downtime due to shortages or logistical delays.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (include the following, however, other duties may apply.)

Purchasing & Sourcing

Procure raw materials, mechanical and electrical components, tools, and consumables based on production schedules and inventory levels.
Analyze usage trends and supplier lead times to place timely orders that avoid shortages and overstock.
Obtain competitive quotes, negotiate terms, and evaluate suppliers based on cost, quality, reliability, and service performance.
Create and maintain accurate purchase orders in the ERP system, ensuring alignment with production requirements.

Expediting & Delivery Management

Track all open purchase orders and follow up with suppliers to confirm delivery dates and resolve delays.
Expedite critical items to prevent production interruptions and adjust schedules as needed.
Communicate delivery updates and risks to production planners, shop floor supervisors, and warehouse staff.
Work closely with receiving teams to verify deliveries, address discrepancies, and ensure materials are quickly moved into inventory.

Warehouse Operations

Monitor warehouse supplies (pallets, packaging, safety stock) and reorder as needed.
Support continuous improvement initiatives to reduce handling time, improve inventory accuracy, and minimize waste.
Maintain inventory level to support parts sales.

Supplier & Internal Collaboration

Develop strong relationships with suppliers to foster dependable and flexible supply partnerships.
Partner with production, quality, and engineering teams to clarify material specifications, manage substitutes, and address quality concerns.
Liaise with accounts payable to resolve invoice discrepancies and ensure accurate payment.
Provide feedback to management on supplier performance and recommend changes when needed.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production flow, and inventory control.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to balance multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel for data analysis and reporting.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
5-7 years of purchasing, expediting, or warehouse coordination experience in a manufacturing or industrial setting required.
Proficiency in ERP systems such as Odoo, Syteline, SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics highly desirable.
Familiarity with just-in-time (JIT) practices, lean manufacturing, and kanban systems preferred.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Effectively communicate and understand job instructions both verbally and written in the English language. Ability to effectively interpret and translate instructions to other employees in a professional and respectful manner.

MENTAL WORK DEMANDS

Regular and on-time attendance. Full time position, hours may regularly exceed 40 hours per week.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Frequent time spent in warehouse and production areas.
May require standing, walking, or lifting up to 25 lbs. when assisting with material handling or inspection.
Occasional travel to local suppliers or off-site facilities.
Occasional travel to our sister facility in Salem Oregon.

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JR Buyer