Buyer

Description

Who Are We?

We build products and relationships that last a lifetime! No really, that’s what we do. We are a successful family business with a long-term record of steady growth, and we are determined to accelerate our trajectory. Our diverse team members who speak 22 languages are passionate about their company and their co-workers.

Check out our website at www.strong-hold.com.

We Are Not:

• Fancy - as manufacturers we believe practical, clean facilities are required to make quality products and retain the best team.
• Transactional - we have long-term relationships with our team members and most valuable customers.
• Satisfied - we celebrate achievement, then set our sights on new goals.

Summary:

The Buyer is responsible for executing sourcing and purchasing activities to support cost management, supplier performance, and uninterrupted production in a manufacturing environment. This role works closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Finance to ensure materials and services are procured efficiently and cost-effectively. The Buyer handles both tactical purchasing tasks and contributes to sourcing initiatives, including processing purchase requisitions, creating and managing purchase orders, maintaining the purchasing email inbox, and coordinating with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery and resolve issues. The role also involves supplier relationship management, performance monitoring, and supporting cost savings efforts.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, detail-oriented professional who can effectively balance daily purchasing operations with sourcing responsibilities in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.

Responsibilities:

Production Support & Material Availability

• Ensure materials and services are available to support uninterrupted production
• Quickly resolve shortages, delays, and supply issues
• Expedite critical orders and communicate potential risks to stakeholders
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering to maintain production flow

Daily Purchasing Operations

• Process purchase requisitions accurately and in a timely manner
• Create, update, and manage purchase orders
• Monitor and manage the purchasing email inbox with timely follow-up
• Confirm order details, pricing, and delivery commitments with suppliers
• Provide backup support to team members to ensure continuity of purchasing operations

Supplier Management & Follow-Up

• Build and maintain positive working relationships with suppliers
• Proactively follow up on open orders to ensure on-time delivery
• Address and resolve delivery, quality, and pricing issues
• Escalate supplier performance concerns when appropriate
• Manage supplier commercial terms (including payment terms and Incoterms) in alignment with company standards
• Ensure invoice accuracy and resolve discrepancies with suppliers and Accounting

Sourcing & Cost Management

• Support cost savings, cost reduction, and cost avoidance initiatives
• Participate in negotiations for pricing, terms, and supplier agreements
• Assist with sourcing decisions that balance cost, quality, and delivery performance
• Support supplier selection and consolidation efforts
• Use data and trend analysis to help inform sourcing decisions

Inventory & Material Planning Support

• Help maintain appropriate inventory levels to minimize shortages and excess stock
• Support lead time management and order planning
• Assist with cycle counts and inventory accuracy efforts as needed

Continuous Improvement & Processes

• Identify opportunities to improve purchasing processes and contribute to implementation
• Support the development and maintenance of standard work and documentation
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of purchasing policies, procedures, and processes

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, or a related field, or equivalent experience preferred
• 3-5 years of experience in purchasing, materials management, or supply chain within a manufacturing environment
• Solid understanding of purchasing and supply chain principles, including supplier management and basic negotiation
• Experience using ERP systems in a manufacturing environment (Great Plains experience preferred)
• Experience identifying and tracking cost savings or cost reduction opportunities
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, including basic data analysis and reporting
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally and with suppliers
• Good analytical and mathematical skills with the ability to interpret data to support decision-making

Benefits:

• We value our team members and believe in providing competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including:
• Competitive wage with annual increases and a performance-based annual bonus.
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Health, dental, & vision, insurance coverage
• Company paid life, short- & long-term disability insurance coverage
• Paid time off for vacation, holidays, and personal days