Commodity Buyer

Cst Industries • DeKalb, IL

116d

About The Position

As part of the Supply Chain team, the Commodity Buyer will plan, direct and coordinate procurement/purchasing for different commodities like, but not limited to, Hardware, Paint & Coatings, Gaskets & Seals, and other related products or services. Procurement duties include setting supplier expectations, drive best cost in conjunction with quality expectations, create/release purchase orders, make purchases and monitor optimum inventory levels. Additionally, the individual is responsible to partner closely with suppliers to reduce lead time, improve on-time delivery, quality, continuously improve inventory turns and identify/execute cost reduction opportunities. The ideal candidate is responsible for maintaining effective communication with a variety of suppliers as well as working cross-functionally within the company to prevent material shortages, resolve item/component issues, resolve costing or invoicing concerns, new/substitute materials and reconcile three-way match issues related to receiving, price, quantity mismatch and/or invoicing errors. This position will follow up with suppliers on purchase orders, shipments, timing and deliveries while also being responsible for resolving any procurement, quality, invoice and inventory related issues including appropriate ERP/MRP transactions. Ability to perform demand analysis, prepare material usage and consumption trend reports and estimated delivery schedules are key success factors. Interface with internal/external stakeholders including commercial, engineering, manufacturing, shipping, receiving logistics is essential to ensure a high level of collaboration to deliver results. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong attention to detail, sense of urgency, bias for proactive action while possess excellent math, analytical, organization and communication skills.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Operations, or Supply Chain Management.
• At least 2 years of recent supply chain experience in a manufacturing or assembly environment.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems, particularly in purchasing and materials management modules; knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics D365 is desirable.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with excellent interpersonal and collaboration abilities.
• Proven ability to manage shifting deadlines and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite.
• Strong problem-solving, project management, and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated supplier negotiation experience.
• Ability to work effectively across all functional areas.

Nice To Haves

• APICS CPIM certification a plus.

Responsibilities

• Procure assigned commodities necessary for company operations and manage supplier performance to ensure continuity of supply and optimal inventory levels.
• Issue purchase orders, review requisitions, change notices, and exception messages to ensure materials are delivered on time to meet production schedules.
• Ensure purchasing documents are properly completed, and terms and conditions meet approved standards.
• Manage supplier relationships, including demand forecasting, capacity planning, supply base inventory, and supplier performance monitoring.
• Solicit, analyze new quotes, bid proposals, and negotiate cost-effective agreements within budgetary limitations.
• Recommend cost-saving initiatives such as make-vs-buy analysis, alternative sourcing, and volume discount strategies.
• Identify and resolve issues that delay material deliveries or lead to shortages, ensuring timely resolutions.
• Work with the Supply Chain team to identify preferred suppliers and support production and revenue targets.
• Maintain D365 material master records, ensure data accuracy, and reconcile supplier invoices, resolving price discrepancies as necessary.
• Review and maintain internal/external Kanban replenishment, inventory management, vendor programs, and scheduling agreements.
• Participate in NCR/MRB reviews of defective materials to eliminate root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Support the Commodity Manager's vision and strategy as requested.
• Perform other duties as required.

What This Job Offers

• Industry: Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree