Senior Buyer

Maysteel•Allenton, WI

About The Position

We are looking for a Senior Buyer to join our team! SUMMARY OF POSITION: The Senior Buyer serves as a senior-level procurement professional responsible for overseeing complex purchasing activities, guiding best practices within the department, and supporting the continuous development of the purchasing team. While this position does not have direct supervisory responsibility, the Senior Buyer acts as a mentor and resource to others within the department, handling escalated supplier issues, high-impact negotiations, and strategic sourcing initiatives that support company goals. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time. Lead the procurement of materials and services for assigned categories, ensuring cost-effective, timely, and quality supply. Review and analyze MRP data for complex or high-value material requirements. Analyzes inventory records to determine if material on hand is in sufficient quantity and prepares purchase orders and/or annual blanket orders for purchase requirements. Negotiate contracts and agreements with key suppliers, focusing on long-term partnerships, pricing stability, and risk reduction. Serve as the department’s primary contact for escalated supplier performance issues, delivery challenges, or quality concerns. Verifies availability of inventories for manufacturing requirements. Notifies affected personnel/departments of material shortages. Works closely with internal departments on problem resolution including product/material returns and product change notification. Collaborate with Accounting, Engineering, Operations, and Quality to resolve issues impacting production schedules or new product development. Provide mentorship, training, and technical guidance to others within the department and other facility locations, fostering consistency and growth across the team. Develop and implement process improvements and procurement strategies that enhance department efficiency and cost savings. Assist in evaluating and onboarding new suppliers, ensuring alignment with company standards for quality, reliability, and ethical conduct. Monitor supplier performance metrics and lead supplier review meetings. Maintain accurate data within the ERP system and ensure purchasing documentation complies with company and regulatory standards. Act as a departmental liaison with management, presenting key procurement data, risk assessments, and improvement recommendations. Support cross-functional initiatives, including inventory management, sustainability efforts, and lean manufacturing goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or related field, or 7+ years of progressively responsible purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment.
Proven experience in supplier negotiation, ERP systems (Epicor preferred), and strategic sourcing required.

Nice To Haves

Certification in Purchasing Management (CPM, CPSM, CPIM) preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the procurement of materials and services for assigned categories, ensuring cost-effective, timely, and quality supply.
Review and analyze MRP data for complex or high-value material requirements.
Analyzes inventory records to determine if material on hand is in sufficient quantity and prepares purchase orders and/or annual blanket orders for purchase requirements.
Negotiate contracts and agreements with key suppliers, focusing on long-term partnerships, pricing stability, and risk reduction.
Serve as the department’s primary contact for escalated supplier performance issues, delivery challenges, or quality concerns.
Verifies availability of inventories for manufacturing requirements.
Notifies affected personnel/departments of material shortages.
Works closely with internal departments on problem resolution including product/material returns and product change notification.
Collaborate with Accounting, Engineering, Operations, and Quality to resolve issues impacting production schedules or new product development.
Provide mentorship, training, and technical guidance to others within the department and other facility locations, fostering consistency and growth across the team.
Develop and implement process improvements and procurement strategies that enhance department efficiency and cost savings.
Assist in evaluating and onboarding new suppliers, ensuring alignment with company standards for quality, reliability, and ethical conduct.
Monitor supplier performance metrics and lead supplier review meetings.
Maintain accurate data within the ERP system and ensure purchasing documentation complies with company and regulatory standards.
Act as a departmental liaison with management, presenting key procurement data, risk assessments, and improvement recommendations.
Support cross-functional initiatives, including inventory management, sustainability efforts, and lean manufacturing goals.