Buyer I

POSITION PURPOSE:  The Buyer I is responsible for procuring finished goods and raw materials from global suppliers to support uninterrupted manufacturing and customer demand. This role manages purchasing activities including MRP review, purchase order execution, supplier communication, delivery expediting, and performance monitoring. The Buyer I collaborates with Transportation, Production Control, Accounts Payable, Quality, and Strategic Sourcing to optimize inventory, improve supplier performance, and support operational objectives.

DUTIES, TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Procure finished goods and raw materials through established suppliers, with a primary focus on Asia

Execute MRP recommendations, including Purchase Order (PO) creation, confirmations, and rescheduling

Monitor and expedite Purchase Orders (POs) to ensure timely delivery and uninterrupted material supply.

Coordinate with Global Sourcing and Transportation to support supplier performance and shipment execution

Share forecasts with suppliers to support production planning and inventory management

Maintain accurate purchasing and material master data within SAP

Partner closely with Transportation to ensure timely deliveries to manufacturing facilities and customers

Collaborate with Accounts Payable to resolve invoice discrepancies and ensure timely supplier payments

Manage supplier quality issues through Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) and Corrective Action Requests (CARs) to minimize supply disruptions

Support supplier performance reviews, scorecards, and business review meetings.

Assist with supplier scorecards, Business Review Meetings (BRMs), and supplier performance evaluations

Track purchasing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), support cost savings initiatives, and drive continuous improvement efforts

Provide purchasing support for special projects, business initiatives, and team activities

Serve as backup support for other purchasing team members and perform other duties as assigned

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field preferred

1–3 years of purchasing, procurement, buying, or supply chain experience

Manufacturing experience preferred; global sourcing experience a plus

SAP experience preferred

Advanced Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office proficiency

Knowledge of purchasing, inventory management, MRP, and supply chain principles

Ability to analyze MRP recommendations and manage purchase orders

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills

Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities

High attention to detail and data accuracy

Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

Proven ability to build relationships with suppliers and cross-functional teams

Customer-focused with a proactive approach to issue resolution

Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively

Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on process optimization and operational excellence

This opportunity offers a competitive benefits package including:

Medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness benefits

Company-matching 401(k) plan

Company-paid life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment benefits

Company-paid identity theft insurance

Company-paid disability

Flexible spending and health savings accounts

Company-paid employee assistance program

Paid time off and paid holidays

Additional benefits included: voluntary life insurance, legal benefits, critical illness, accident insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, and pet insurance

Old World Industries is among the largest privately held companies competing in the automotive aftermarket today. Built upon a 50-year history of ingenuity, the Northbrook, Illinois-based company is transforming the automotive, commercial and chemical industries that keep the world moving forward. Old World’s brands include a full line of PEAK® Performance Automotive Aftermarket Products including Antifreeze/Coolant, Washer Fluid, Lighting and Wiper Blades; BlueDEF® Diesel Exhaust Fluid and Equipment; FINAL CHARGE® PRO-SERIES Heavy Duty Extended Life Coolant, Fleet Charge® SCA Precharged Heavy Duty Coolant and Thermal Charge® Heat Transfer Fluid.