Buyer - Outsourced Manufacturing

Johnson Screens•New Brighton, MN

16h•Onsite

About The Position

The Buyer II – Outsourced Manufacturing at Johnson Screens is responsible for advanced procurement activities, including supplier negotiations and the management of strategic supplier relationships. This role requires a strong understanding of procurement processes and the ability to drive cost-effective sourcing decisions while maintaining quality standards and delivery commitments. The position will primarily support engineering and the New Brighton manufacturing facility by managing outsourcing activities. Responsibilities include collaborating with internal stakeholders to understand requirements, communicating specifications and expectations to suppliers, issuing purchase orders, and tracking orders through delivery. The Buyer II is accountable for ensuring suppliers deliver high-quality products on time to meet both production schedules and customer delivery commitments.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or equivalent experience.
Minimum 2+ years of experience procuring outsourcing activities in a manufacturing environment.
Strong negotiation skills and knowledge of procurement best practices.
Experience with ERP systems and procurement software; SAP procurement module experience preferred.
Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Strong attention to detail.
Experience outsourcing at least 3 of the following activities required; broader experience across these steel-related value-added services preferred: Annealing, Passivation, Machining, Forming, Sand blasting, Electropolishing, Coatings, Laser cutting, Other steel-related value-added services

Nice To Haves

4+ years of experience coordinating outsourcing activities in a custom steel manufacturing environment preferred.
Continuous Improvement mindset, with experience facilitating cross-functional continuous improvement projects preferred.
Familiarity with technical drawings and specifications; ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications preferred.
Advanced Excel skills preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage procurement records, ensuring accuracy in order details, supplier agreements, and pricing.
Creating purchase orders (POs) and processing them through procurement systems.
Ensuring purchased goods meet quality, quantity, and delivery standards.
Building and maintaining strong relationships with key suppliers.
Managing stock levels to ensure adequate supplies while avoiding overstocking.
Monitoring lead times and planning purchases to minimize stockouts.
Coordinating with inventory and warehouse teams to align purchasing with inventory needs.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that material and service needs align with production schedules and operational requirements.
Ensuring all purchases comply with company policies and industry regulations.
Maintaining accurate records of purchases, contracts, and supplier information.
Review and analyze purchase requisitions and ensure accurate order placement in line with company standards.
Preparing reports on purchasing activities, costs, and supplier performance.
Monitor supplier performance and communicate any delivery or quality issues to Procurement Leadership.
Assist in supplier evaluations and participate in supplier development initiatives.
Negotiate with suppliers to obtain favorable terms, pricing, and delivery schedules.
Performs other duties as assigned.