Buyer

Dubois Chemicals•Bedford, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Buyer is responsible for procuring chemical raw materials, packaging components, and finished goods purchased for resale, using MRP (Material Requirements Planning) and other planning tools. This role ensures timely ordering, diligent follow-up, and strategic inventory management to maintain optimal stock levels. The Buyer serves as a key liaison between Procurement, Planning, and Operations, ensuring supply continuity to support production schedules without creating excess inventory. Additionally, the Buyer will serve as a backup for Scheduling, providing support with day‑to‑day scheduling activities and assisting with routine operational tasks as needed to maintain workflow continuity.

Requirements

1+ Years of experience in procurement, supply chain, or a related function.
Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems (e.g., SAP, D365, Oracle).
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including functions, pivot tables, and data analysis tools.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with internal teams and external suppliers.
Problem-solving mindset with the ability to address challenges proactively.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with MS Dynamics 365 is a plus.

Responsibilities

Analyze and act upon MRP signals to issue purchase orders for raw materials, packaging, and resale items in line with production and demand plans.
Place and manage purchase orders, confirm delivery dates, track shipment status, and proactively resolve any supply disruptions or delays.
Maintain effective communication with suppliers to ensure reliability and responsiveness.
Escalate and resolve any issues related to quality, lead time, or service.
Collaborate closely with Planning, Scheduling, and Plant Operations teams to ensure materials are available to meet production requirements without overstocking.
Ensure purchase order details, item master data, lead times, and pricing are accurate in the ERP system.
Quickly address and resolve order discrepancies, delivery issues, or material non-conformances.
Monitor and report on supplier performance, material availability, inventory levels, and purchase order status.
Provide backup support for Production Scheduling activities during vacations, absences, or periods of increased workload.
Review and approve MRP-generated production orders based on material availability, capacity, and production priorities.
Assist with assigning batches to appropriate production areas based on product requirements, capacity, and operational efficiency.
Help maintain and communicate daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules.
Update and maintain accurate production data, scheduling details, and batch status within the ERP system.
Assist with closing production batches and validating production data accuracy.
Monitor schedule adherence and communicate delays, conflicts, or production risks to appropriate stakeholders.
Partner with Supply Chain, Operations, and Quality teams to help resolve scheduling conflicts and support production priorities.
Assist with schedule prioritization decisions to balance customer service, capacity, and operational efficiency.