Buyer - Engineer to Order

Koch Enterprises • Caledonia, MI

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Koch Finishing Systems is hiring a Buyer to lead purchasing, procurement, strategic sourcing, and supplier management for our engineer-to-order (ETO) manufacturing operation. This is a strong fit for a purchasing or procurement professional who's comfortable reading engineering drawings, specs, and bills of material (BOMs), and who enjoys solving problems in a fast-paced, project-driven environment. You'll work cross-functionally with Engineering, Project Management, Estimating, Manufacturing, Inventory, Quality, Shipping/Receiving, and Accounting to source the materials and components behind our custom-engineered industrial finishing systems — plating barrels, process tanks, structural frames, automated hoists, pumps, chemical dosing systems, filtration systems, rectifiers, heating coils, and custom plastic fabrications.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Purchasing, or related field — or equivalent experience
• 2+ years of purchasing/procurement experience, including sourcing major equipment or industrial components
• Ability to read and interpret technical specs, engineering drawings, and BOMs
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Strong negotiation, supplier management, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to juggle multiple projects, suppliers, and deadlines without losing accuracy

Nice To Haves

• Background in metal finishing, electroplating, anodizing, industrial chemical handling, or wastewater treatment equipment
• Strategic sourcing or supplier development experience
• Familiarity with corrosion-resistant materials (polypropylene, PV C/CPV D, PVDF, titanium, 316 stainless steel, steel, copper)
• ERP/MRP/purchasing system experience

Responsibilities

• Review purchase requisitions, engineering drawings, specs, and BOMs to confirm accuracy before placing orders
• Source specialized industrial, plating, and finishing components — including titanium/zirconium heating coils, chemical-resistant pumps and valves, rectifiers, filtration systems, and custom plastic fabrications
• Identify and qualify new suppliers and subcontractors; build strong, lasting vendor relationships
• Request quotes, negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, and delivery requirements; issue accurate purchase orders
• Keep materials, equipment, and subcontracted services on track to meet project schedules
• Coordinate delivery logistics between job sites, fabrication facilities, and subcontractors, verifying destination, quantity, and timing
• Track supplier performance (quality, cost, lead time, on-time delivery) and document results in the ERP system
• Partner with Engineering and Estimating to onboard new suppliers, including credit applications and tax-exemption documentation
• Manage surplus and obsolete inventory alongside the Inventory Coordinator
• Maintain stock levels for standard parts while managing project-specific buyouts
• Resolve pricing, fulfillment, and invoice discrepancies with Shipping/Receiving, Engineering, and Accounting
• Drive non-conforming material (NCR) resolution, RMAs, and supplier corrective actions with Quality Control
• Contribute to cross-functional purchasing and supply chain process improvements

Benefits

• Starting pay of $60,000/year
• Paid holidays, vacation, PTO, and EPTO
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plans
• Tuition and fitness reimbursement
• Hands-on exposure to custom industrial equipment projects alongside Engineering, Manufacturing, and Project teams

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree