Associate Buyer

Elucent Medical•Eden Prairie, MN

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Buyer executes purchase orders and keeps materials moving from suppliers to the dock, following plans and priorities set by the Supply Chain Manager. The role places and releases orders in the ERP system, follows up with suppliers on acknowledgments and delivery dates, expedites critical materials, and maintains accurate, current purchase order records. It supports—but does not replace—the planning function: MRP ownership, demand planning, and supplier selection remain with the Supply Chain Manager. The Associate Buyer is cross-trained on core Inventory Operations Specialist tasks, including shipping and receiving, to provide backup coverage when an Inventory Operations Specialist is out. The position has no supervisory responsibilities and reports to the Supply Chain Manager. Work is primarily desk-based, with occasional warehouse work during backup coverage. Elucent Medical is a medical device company developing surgical navigation technologies, particularly for cancer surgery, to improve patient outcomes through precision and efficacy. Its solutions are designed to turn traditional surgical instruments into smart tools.

Requirements

1–5 years of experience in purchasing, buying, or supply chain; manufacturing experience is preferred.
High school diploma required.
Purchasing or buying experience, including placing and following up on purchase orders, required.
ERP/MRP system experience required.
Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy when entering and maintaining purchase order data.
Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word.
Ability to stay organized and prioritize multiple open orders and shifting deadlines.
Dependable and persistent follow-through with suppliers and commitments.
Willingness to be cross-trained on warehouse tasks, including receiving and shipping, to cover for Inventory Operations Specialists.
Ability to work effectively with others and follow established procedures.
Ability to occasionally lift 30 pounds.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer; the company does not provide or assume sponsorship of employment visas.

Nice To Haves

Associate's or bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field.
Medical device or manufacturing experience.

Responsibilities

Create, release, and revise purchase orders in the ERP system according to planned requirements and priorities set by the Supply Chain Manager.
Follow up with suppliers to confirm order acknowledgments, delivery dates, and quantities, and track open purchase orders through receipt.
Expedite critical and late materials, and alert the Supply Chain Manager early about likely supplier delays or shortages that could affect production or customer shipments.
Maintain accurate purchase order records, including change orders, reschedules, cancellations, and supplier documentation, in accordance with the quality system and document control procedures.
Report open purchase order status, past-due lines, and supplier on-time delivery data to supply chain and planning.
Work with Receiving, Quality, and Accounts Payable to help resolve invoice, pricing, and receipt discrepancies, and assist with supplier returns and RMAs.
Resolve minor problems and escalate complex problems to the Supply Chain Manager.
Maintain professional and collaborative relationships with suppliers.
Create and maintain item and supplier data in the ERP system, including new part numbers, reorder points, vendor information, part numbers, and pricing.
Purchase maintenance, repair, and operations items, including production supplies, packaging, and general office supplies, using approved suppliers and following company procedures and manager guidance.
After cross-training, provide backup for Inventory Operations Specialists by handling core tasks such as receiving supplier deliveries and shipping customer orders.
Perform other duties as assigned.