Buyer

Strong Hold•Louisville, KY

About The Position

The Buyer is responsible for executing sourcing and purchasing activities to support cost management, supplier performance, and uninterrupted production in a manufacturing environment. This role works closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Finance to ensure materials and services are procured efficiently and cost-effectively. The Buyer handles both tactical purchasing tasks and contributes to sourcing initiatives, including processing purchase requisitions, creating and managing purchase orders, maintaining the purchasing email inbox, and coordinating with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery and resolve issues. The role also involves supplier relationship management, performance monitoring, and supporting cost savings efforts. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, detail-oriented professional who can effectively balance daily purchasing operations with sourcing responsibilities in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, or a related field, or equivalent experience preferred
3–5 years of experience in purchasing, materials management, or supply chain within a manufacturing environment
Solid understanding of purchasing and supply chain principles, including supplier management and basic negotiation
Experience using ERP systems in a manufacturing environment (Great Plains experience preferred)
Experience identifying and tracking cost savings or cost reduction opportunities
Proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, including basic data analysis and reporting
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally and with suppliers
Good analytical and mathematical skills with the ability to interpret data to support decision-making

Nice To Haves

Great Plains experience preferred

Responsibilities

Ensure materials and services are available to support uninterrupted production
Quickly resolve shortages, delays, and supply issues
Expedite critical orders and communicate potential risks to stakeholders
Partner with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering to maintain production flow
Process purchase requisitions accurately and in a timely manner
Create, update, and manage purchase orders
Monitor and manage the purchasing email inbox with timely follow-up
Confirm order details, pricing, and delivery commitments with suppliers
Provide backup support to team members to ensure continuity of purchasing operations
Build and maintain positive working relationships with suppliers
Proactively follow up on open orders to ensure on-time delivery
Address and resolve delivery, quality, and pricing issues
Escalate supplier performance concerns when appropriate
Manage supplier commercial terms (including payment terms and Incoterms) in alignment with company standards
Ensure invoice accuracy and resolve discrepancies with suppliers and Accounting
Support cost savings, cost reduction, and cost avoidance initiatives
Participate in negotiations for pricing, terms, and supplier agreements
Assist with sourcing decisions that balance cost, quality, and delivery performance
Support supplier selection and consolidation efforts
Use data and trend analysis to help inform sourcing decisions
Help maintain appropriate inventory levels to minimize shortages and excess stock
Support lead time management and order planning
Assist with cycle counts and inventory accuracy efforts as needed
Identify opportunities to improve purchasing processes and contribute to implementation
Support the development and maintenance of standard work and documentation
Contribute to the continuous improvement of purchasing policies, procedures, and processes