Buyer II

Federal Signal Openings•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Buyer II procures materials, components, tooling, maintenance, repair, and operations supplies, and subcontracted services needed for manufacturing. The role uses MRP reports and production schedules to determine purchasing needs; issues and tracks purchase orders; and monitors suppliers’ quality, pricing, delivery, and responsiveness. It negotiates commercial terms and develops supplier relationships while identifying alternative sources to reduce supply-chain risk. Working with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Inventory teams, the Buyer II addresses shortages and quality or performance concerns, supports new product introductions, expedites critical orders, and helps maintain appropriate inventory levels. The position also participates in supplier audits and performance reviews, maintains purchasing and vendor records in the ERP system, monitors market and material-cost trends, prepares procurement analyses, and supports compliance with company policies, safety requirements, and applicable regulations. Performance is assessed through supplier delivery, inventory, cost, purchase-order accuracy, quality, material availability, and expedited-freight measures.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a formal degree.
A minimum of 5–7 years of purchasing or supply-chain experience in a manufacturing environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and ERP/MRP systems.
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, machining operations, and production planning.
Knowledge of purchasing principles, inventory management, and supplier relationship management.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), and specifications.
Strong negotiation and cost-analysis skills.
Working knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong analytical ability, negotiation, follow-through, and accuracy.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with JD Edwards.
Experience supporting machining, fabrication, assembly, or industrial equipment manufacturing.
Experience purchasing steel, aluminum, castings, machined components, tooling, hydraulics, pumps, motors, bearings, or industrial equipment components.
CPIM, CPSM, or CSCP certification.
Experience managing supplier scorecards and strategic sourcing initiatives.
Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality systems.

Responsibilities

Purchase raw materials, machined components, fabricated parts, tooling, MRO supplies, and subcontracted services required for manufacturing operations.
Analyze MRP reports and production schedules to determine purchasing requirements.
Issue purchase orders and monitor supplier performance regarding quality, pricing, delivery, and responsiveness.
Negotiate pricing, payment terms, lead times, and supply agreements to achieve cost savings and operational efficiencies.
Develop and maintain relationships with approved suppliers and identify alternative sources to mitigate supply-chain risks.
Coordinate with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Inventory teams to resolve shortages, quality issues, and supplier performance concerns.
Review inventory levels and purchasing trends to ensure adequate material availability while minimizing excess inventory.
Support new product introductions by sourcing materials and evaluating supplier capabilities.
Track and expedite critical orders to ensure uninterrupted production.
Collaborate with Quality Assurance regarding supplier corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
Participate in supplier audits, evaluations, and performance reviews.
Maintain accurate purchasing records, vendor files, and system data within the ERP system.
Monitor market conditions, material costs, and industry trends affecting procurement activities.
Prepare reports and analyses regarding spending, supplier performance, and inventory management.
Ensure compliance with company policies, safety requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
Perform other duties, assignments, and special projects as required.