Senior Buyer
$79,260–$91,398 year
On-siteBlaine, Minnesota, United States
Job Summary
Manage strategic procurement of raw materials, outside processing, and purchased services across multiple manufacturing facilities while balancing cost, quality, and delivery performance. Lead supplier relationship management through vendor performance tracking, contract negotiations, and new supplier qualification. Create, release, and expedite purchase orders to ensure accurate delivery commitments and support production schedules. Monitor inventory levels, safety stock, and Supplier Managed Inventory (VMI) strategies to minimize excess while maintaining material availability. Partner with Engineering, Planning, and Operations to resolve supply chain challenges and coordinate material priorities for new product introductions. Maintain purchasing parameters and master data within the Epicor ERP system. Track purchasing KPIs including on-time delivery, purchase price variance, and inventory turns to drive informed business decisions. Support Quality and Engineering by coordinating customer flow-down requirements and vendor certifications.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or a related field
- Minimum of 8 years of purchasing or supply chain experience within a manufacturing environment
- Experience managing procurement for complex manufacturing operations
- Demonstrated proficiency with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems
- Strong understanding of purchasing, inventory management, supplier performance, forecasting, and material planning
- Experience negotiating supplier pricing, contracts, and long-term supply agreements
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make data-driven decisions
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to build relationships across all levels of the organization
- Demonstrated project management experience with the ability to lead initiatives from concept through implementation
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
- Strong negotiation, customer service, and relationship management skills
- Ability to travel approximately 5–10%
- Must meet ITAR requirements by qualifying as a U.S. Person
Desired Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or a related field preferred
- Epicor experience preferred
- APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)
- Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) or similar procurement certification
- Experience working within Aerospace, Medical Device, Defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing industries
- Experience purchasing precision machined components, metals, mechanical components, or manufacturing services
- Experience with Supplier Managed Inventory (VMI), Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning (SIOP), and inventory optimization
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies
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