Buyer

Kinetic Custom Trailers•Waco, TX

44d•$80,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

Kinetic Custom Trailers is seeking an experienced and driven Buyer to join our team on-site in Waco, Texas. This role is ideal for a purchasing professional with strong manufacturing experience who can operate independently, build supplier relationships, and support a fast-paced production environment. The Buyer will work closely with production, engineering, inventory control, and suppliers to procure the materials, components, and services required to support manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate has strong procurement experience, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to make data-driven purchasing decisions while balancing cost, quality, and delivery.

Requirements

3+ years of purchasing or procurement experience within a manufacturing, industrial, fabrication, or production environment.
Experience purchasing raw materials, fabricated components, industrial products, or production-related goods.
Strong negotiation, supplier management, and relationship-building skills.
Experience using ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel.
Ability to analyze purchasing data, forecast demand, and manage inventory.
Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Nice To Haves

Post-secondary education in Supply Chain Management, Business, Procurement, or a related field is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Source and purchase raw materials, manufactured components, hardware, consumables, and other goods required to support production.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, distributors, manufacturers, and transportation providers.
Solicit and evaluate supplier quotations to ensure competitive pricing, quality, and delivery performance.
Negotiate pricing agreements, contracts, payment terms, and supply commitments.
Identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers to improve cost, quality, and supply chain resilience.
Maintain supplier performance through ongoing communication and performance reviews.
Monitor inventory levels and demand forecasts to ensure uninterrupted production.
Generate and manage purchase orders based on production schedules, forecasts, and inventory requirements.
Coordinate with production planning and inventory teams to maintain optimal inventory levels.
Review material shortages and expedite critical orders when necessary.
Support inventory accuracy through cycle counts, material reconciliation, and supplier issue resolution.
Monitor market trends, pricing, freight costs, and supply chain conditions impacting purchased materials.
Analyze purchasing data to identify cost-saving opportunities and process improvements.
Support budgeting activities and cost reduction initiatives.
Recommend sourcing strategies that improve efficiency, quality, and supplier performance.
Work closely with production, engineering, quality, and operations to ensure materials are available when needed.
Assist in resolving supplier quality issues and implementing corrective actions.
Support engineering change requests by coordinating supplier updates and material transitions.
Ensure purchasing activities comply with company policies and procedures.
Maintain accurate procurement records, supplier documentation, and purchasing data within the ERP system.
Prepare reports on supplier performance, inventory levels, purchasing trends, and cost savings.
Support internal audits and supplier reviews as required.