Buyer / Procurement Specialist

Description: Buyer / Procurement Specialist

Department: Procurement & Customer Service

Job Status: Regular Full Time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports To: Director of Procurement & Customer Service (Brian Reed)

Grade/Level: Salary / Team Member (Range: $50,000-55,000)

Amount of Travel Required: 5-10%

Work Schedule: M-F, usually 730 AM – 4 PM

Positions Supervised: None

Location: GLI Headquarters - 6150 N Flint Rd, Milwaukee WI 53209

Great Lakes Industrial (GLI) is a leader in the Industrial manufacturing & distribution sector, specializing in innovative engineered solutions and products. With a strong commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, we are driven by a passion for operational excellence. As we continue to expand, we seek a skilled and motivated Buyer/Procurement Specialist to join our dynamic team.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Our Buyer/Procurement Specialists are responsible for overseeing the procurement of distribution part, raw materials for manufacturing operations, inventory management, supply and demand forecasting, and vendor management. This position will involve the creation and management of purchase orders, inventory monitoring/management, negotiations with suppliers, and providing support to the other departments in GLI such as Operations, Customer Service, and Sales.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Source and purchase raw materials and distribution supplies based on production requirements and inventory levels.
• Monitor market trends, pricing, and availability to negotiate favorable terms with suppliers.
• Evaluate and select suppliers based on quality, cost, reliability, and service.
• Issue purchase orders and maintain accurate records in ERP or procurement systems.
• Collaborate with production, planning, and logistics teams to ensure timely delivery of materials.
• Track order status, expedite shipments when necessary, and resolve delivery or quality issues.
• Maintain optimal inventory levels while minimizing excess and obsolescence.
• Contribute to supply and demand forecasting by providing procurement insights, historical data, and market intelligence to planning teams.
• Participate in supplier audits and performance reviews.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and process improvements within the supply chain.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

Competencies

The Buyer/Procurement Specialist must be proactive and energetic, committed to excelling at all procurement aspects, essential tasks as well as committed to the team, culture and organization to maintain a well-run and respectable department. The Buyer position is strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to move in a fast-paced environment.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Experience: 3+ years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing, distribution, or industrial setting

Computer Skills: Advanced Excel, competency in the other Microsoft suite programs (Outlook, etc.)

Certificates & Licenses: None required

Other Skills, Attributes, and Abilities

• Ability to generate queries for detailed analysis. Proficiencies in PowerBI or other similar software is preferred but not required.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills for effective interface with all internal and external contacts.
• Exceptional organization skills and detail oriented with demonstrated organization and multitasking skills.
• Effective time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• High level of integrity, respect, and humility.
• Lifelong learner who is willing to share their knowledge and experience for the betterment of the team, company, and community.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).
• Knowledge of raw materials and distribution channels relevant to the industry.
• Analytical mindset with strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.