Buyer

Oliver Packaging and Equipment Company•Walker, MI

15d•Hybrid

About The Position

If you are looking for a company where you can grow and develop alongside respectfully collaborative teams, join us at Oliver Packaging and Equipment Company. With a history dating back to 1890, we offer the stability of a well-established organization and the support of colleagues who truly value one another. In addition to competitive base pay, we provide a generous benefits package, including a bonus plan, a 5% 401(k) match, 15 days of paid time off, and 10 paid holidays in your first year (pro-rated in year one). Our culture is built on teamwork and a shared commitment to creating and delivering packaging and equipment solutions around the globe. You’ll see your work make a real impact—in places like Walmart and Panera Bread, in schools providing meals to children, through programs like Meals on Wheels supporting seniors, and in hospitals helping patients in recovery. If you want your work to matter and to be part of a supportive team with a strong foundation and long-term vision, this is the opportunity for you. Job Summary: The Buyer is responsible for planning, sourcing, and procuring raw materials, equipment, machinery, and supplies in support of company operations. This role ensures uninterrupted production through effective supplier management, cost optimization, and material availability while maintaining strict quality, regulatory, and delivery standards. The Buyer partners closely with manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain teams to support build schedules, new product development, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience
Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive experience in supply chain, purchasing, or procurement
Strong project execution and organizational skills
Proven ability to collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment
Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to lead through change and adversity
Results-driven mindset with a strong focus on quality, urgency, and attention to detail
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence and partner across all levels of the organization
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications

Nice To Haves

Professional certification such as CPIM, CSCP, CPSM, or PMP (ISM, APICS, or PMI-sponsored certifications preferred)

Responsibilities

Monitor material and supply inventories using enterprise information systems to optimize total cost of ownership.
Prepare, review, and issue purchase orders, revisions, and change notices in accordance with purchasing procedures.
Serve as the primary point of contact for supplier issues, including nonconforming materials; lead negotiations on rejections, credits, and corrective actions to ensure permanent resolution.
Review and approve pricing, terms, delivery schedules, freight routes, and related conditions to ensure alignment with purchasing standards.
Procure, track, and expedite orders as necessary to support customer on-time delivery requirements.
Partner with Supply Chain Management to develop and maintain long-term relationships with key and strategic suppliers.
Negotiate supplier agreements to achieve optimal cost, quality, and service; manage supplier performance through Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and on-time delivery metrics.
Lead material cost reduction initiatives, including development, execution, and tracking of cost-savings plans against established targets.
Analyze market conditions, lead times, and supply risks to assess current and future material availability; prepare and present market analysis reports.
Source materials and identify qualified suppliers in collaboration with manufacturing and engineering teams.
Manage surplus and obsolete materials, including analysis and coordination of planned obsolescence and disposition activities.
Establish, maintain, and update the approved supplier list.
Conduct supplier performance evaluations, including analysis of cost, delivery, order acknowledgment, and quality metrics; identify and drive supplier development opportunities.
Ensure compliance with import/export regulations, including collection and maintenance of NAFTA certificates and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
Perform other related duties as assigned.