Manufacturing Buyer

FORTNA•Mount Washington, KY

About The Position

FORTNA partners with the world’s leading brands to transform omnichannel and parcel distribution operations. Known world-wide for enabling companies to keep pace with digital disruption and growth objectives, we design and deliver solutions, powered by intelligent software, to optimize fast, accurate and cost-effective order fulfillment and last mile delivery. Our people, innovative approach and proprietary algorithms and tools ensure optimal operations design and material and information flow. We deliver exceptional value every day to our customers with comprehensive services and products including network strategy, distribution center operational design and implementation, material handling automated equipment, robotics and a comprehensive suite of lifecycle services. At FORTNA, we believe in fostering a workplace that isn't just a job but a movement – a collective effort to redefine success and transform challenges into opportunities. "Join the Movement" encapsulates our commitment to a workplace culture that thrives on collaboration, celebrates diversity, and empowers every individual to contribute to something greater than themselves. Our Team. Our Passion. Our Approach. Job Summary: The Manufacturing Buyer is responsible for planning and controlling the flow of purchased parts from suppliers through the production value stream. This role ensures materials are available when needed, maintains inventory accuracy, and proactively manages supply chain challenges to support seamless production operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or a minimum of 3 years equivalent experience in a manufacturing supply chain environment.
Strong understanding of ERP systems (IQMS experience preferred).
Working knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, including 5S, visual management, continuous improvement, and pull systems.
Proven experience in supply chain, manufacturing operations, and inventory control.
Ability to read and evaluate part lists and work with production planning systems.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills under pressure.
Effective communication skills across all levels of the organization.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
Experience documenting and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Ability to analyze data and generate actionable insights to improve operations.

Responsibilities

Ensure timely and accurate receipt of purchased parts in required quantities.
Proactively manage and expedite component part shortages by identifying and addressing internal and supplier-related issues.
Monitor and control inventory levels by analyzing lot sizes, replenishment schedules, and shipping frequencies.
Evaluate material requirements to maintain a consistent and timely flow to meet production and customer demands.
Identify and address potential material availability issues that may affect in-process assemblies.
Confirm supply and demand alignment based on shop floor load and inventory requirements.
Proactively identifies opportunities to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency without compromising quality, leveraging data-driven insights and innovative solutions to drive measurable savings.
Leverages market knowledge to negotiate per-item pricing and optimize purchasing decisions.
Communicate the impact of material shortages on assemblies and finished goods to production teams.
Escalate supplier constraints and issues to Procurement Leader as needed.
Coordinate cross-functional activities with quality, manufacturing, engineering, and purchasing teams.
Develop and propose solutions to mitigate potential work stoppages caused by material delays.
Act as a key point of contact for internal stakeholders regarding material availability and delivery schedules.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and cross-functional projects.
Plan and manage space requirements for assigned commodities.
Ensure inventory accuracy and implement integrity strategies for purchased materials.
Analyze inventory velocity and identify risks of excess or obsolete inventory.
Make effective decisions in a fast-paced, dynamic manufacturing environment.
Manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously with efficiency and accuracy.
Generate and maintain daily, weekly, and monthly reports and performance metrics.
Develop and maintain material replenishment strategies for each component in the value stream.