Buyer

Rochester Precision Opt•Town of Henrietta, NY

36d•$80,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting directly to the Director of Supply Chain, the Buyer is responsible for sourcing materials and services, negotiating favorable terms, and ensuring reliable supplier performance to support production and operational needs. This role manages day‑to‑day purchasing activities, drives cost improvements, and helps maintain a resilient supply base across key commodities such as optical glass, machined components, plastics, coating services, and select MRO/indirect items.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
3+ years of direct purchasing experience, preferably within a precision manufacturing environment involving optical components, mechanical parts, or electro-mechanical assemblies.
Experience with commodity purchasing, supplier management, and procuring materials or components to support manufacturing operations.
Strong understanding of purchasing processes, including purchase order management, supplier communication, pricing, lead times, and material availability.
Experience working with an ERP system; Epicor experience preferred.
Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Outgoing, approachable, and solutions-oriented personality, with a willingness to take initiative, solve problems, and follow through on commitments.
Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams, including Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain, to support production and business needs.
Experience working in a defense, aerospace, or other regulated manufacturing environment preferred.
Basic knowledge of accounting principles, including purchase orders, invoices, pricing, and cost management.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated ability to take ownership of purchasing activities, anticipate potential supply issues, and proactively communicate solutions to internal stakeholders and suppliers.
Pursuant to ITAR, EAR, and other export compliance laws and regulations, applicants for this position must be U.S. Persons as defined by U.S. law, i.e., U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents ("Green Card" holders), persons granted refugee status or asylum status in the United States, or temporary residents granted amnesty.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree
Epicor experience
Experience working in a defense, aerospace, or other regulated manufacturing environment

Responsibilities

Negotiate pricing, lead times, and payment terms to meet cost, quality, and delivery objectives.
Drive cost reductions through supplier negotiations, purchase price variance (PPV) improvements, and cost‑avoidance initiatives.
Procure materials and services at the best total cost of ownership while maintaining continuity of supply.
Independently quote materials, components, and project‑based purchases
Track and improve supplier on‑time delivery and overall performance
Identify and mitigate supply risks, material shortages, and capacity constraints
Support inventory‑turn goals through disciplined purchasing practices and demand alignment
Monitor, analyze, and report material variances to support accurate costing and financial visibility
Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Finance, and Operations to resolve supply issues and support new product or process needs
Identify, propose, and qualify new suppliers to improve cost, quality, or lead time
Ensure compliance with ITAR, EAR, and defense‑related procurement requirements