Buyer

Position: On-site Buyer (MRO Focus)

The On-site Buyer will be responsible for purchasing goods and services that keep the facility running (not directly tied to production output). This role requires strong research skills, contract negotiation, inventory management, quality evaluation, and adherence to budgetary guidelines.

Key Responsibilities

General Buyer Duties

• Manage the purchase of FSRM (indirect) items required by our divisions in a timely manner—speed is critical.
• Ensure uninterrupted production by preventing shortages of FSRM items.
• Negotiate, renegotiate, and administer contracts with suppliers and vendors.
• Analyze price proposals, financial reports, and other data to determine fair pricing.
• Develop systems to streamline purchasing and maintain proper inventory levels.
• Review sales records and inventory to create strategic purchasing programs.
• Monitor shipments to ensure timely delivery and resolve issues with undelivered goods.
• Research and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, reliability, and reputation.
• Establish one-stop suppliers (e.g., Grainger) to reduce documentation and improve speed.
• Implement solutions like vending machines for FSRM items and blanket POs for recurring purchases.
• Execute special projects such as plant improvement and beautification, including planning, ARF requests, contractor management, and progress reporting.
• Maintain extended presence in manufacturing facilities for project oversight.
• Visit suppliers’ plants and distribution centers to assess products and services.
• Streamline freight management through benchmarking, contracting, and cost reduction initiatives.

Buyer for MRO Focus

• Source and purchase maintenance supplies, spare parts, tools, safety equipment, and services.
• Manage vendor relationships for MRO items.
• Negotiate pricing and delivery terms for non-production materials.
• Develop pricing and stocking agreements for larger category spends.
• Ensure timely availability of maintenance and repair items to avoid downtime.
• Lead corporate MRO initiatives to harmonize spend and reduce overall suppliers.
• Process purchase orders and maintain accurate records.
• Work closely with maintenance and facilities teams to understand requirements.
• Track spend and identify cost-saving opportunities for indirect materials.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 3+ years of experience in a high-volume, repetitive manufacturing environment.
• SAP experience highly preferred; Rockstar candidate would have BPCS experience.
• Experience in metal manufacturing preferred.

Salary & Travel

• Salary Range: $70,000 – $75,000 annually.
• Travel: 20–30% to SSW sites and suppliers.

Working Conditions

• Primarily indoors.
• Occasional exposure to high temperatures and loud noises.

Equipment Use

• Telephone, Fax, Computer.

General Requirements

• Availability to work on-site Monday through Friday.
• Detail-oriented and hands-on approach.
• English fluency - Spanish a plus

Commitment to Core Values

• Honesty
• Integrity
• Caring for People
• Customer Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Continuous Improvement