Junior Buyer

About the Opportunity

An established manufacturing organization is seeking a Buyer to support production purchasing and supplier management. This opportunity is well suited to an early-career purchasing professional with experience buying manufacturing parts or components who is ready to take on greater ownership of supplier relationships, sourcing, and negotiations. You’ll manage assigned suppliers and commodities, help maintain production material availability, and partner with engineering, quality, and operations to meet cost, delivery, and quality objectives. The team values practical experience, sound judgment, and an interest in long-term growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Purchase production parts and components, including mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic items.
• Manage supplier relationships, communicate requirements, monitor performance, and resolve delivery or quality concerns.
• Request and evaluate supplier quotes, compare pricing, and negotiate costs and delivery terms.
• Identify potential suppliers and assist with evaluating their capabilities, quality, and competitiveness.
• Coordinate with engineering and operations on material requirements, technical specifications, and engineering changes.
• Review bills of materials, drawings, and related documentation to support accurate purchasing decisions.
• Maintain purchase orders, supplier information, pricing, and procurement records within the ERP system.
• Support cost reduction initiatives and evaluate opportunities to improve sourcing and purchasing processes.
• Work with finance to resolve invoice discrepancies and with production teams to address material shortages.
• Participate in occasional travel to supplier locations.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Experience purchasing parts or components in a manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on involvement in supplier communication, sourcing, quote evaluation, or negotiations.
• Working knowledge of purchasing processes and manufacturing ERP systems.
• Technical aptitude and familiarity with bills of materials, drawings, or engineering change documentation.
• Strong organization, analytical skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize competing needs, make decisions, and communicate effectively across departments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Authorization to work indefinitely in the United States.

Qualifications

• A related degree is helpful; relevant practical experience is highly valued.
• APICS or CPIM certification is a plus.