Senior Buyer

The Senior Buyer will manage the procurement of essential raw materials required for our production operations in Wilkesboro, NC. This role ensures the uninterrupted supply of materials to our manufacturing operations while maintaining cost efficiency, supplier quality, and compliance with company standards. This role requires strong negotiation skills, market awareness, and the ability to build and maintain strong supplier relationships.

• Identify, source, and purchase raw materials needed for production in alignment with company requirements.
• Monitor market trends, commodity prices, and supplier performance to ensure competitive cost and reliable supply.
• Negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing with suppliers to optimize cost savings and value.
• Manage supplier relationships, resolving any quality, delivery, or performance issues promptly.
• Collaborate with production, quality, planning, and logistics teams to forecast material requirements and ensure inventory levels meet demand.
• Monitor demand for raw materials
• Place purchase orders based on manufacturing location needs with suppliers
• Ensure safety stock levels are maintained at manufacturing location & keep material pipeline flowing.
• Track purchase orders, deliveries, and lead times to prevent production interruptions.
• Conduct supplier audits and evaluations to maintain compliance with quality and sustainability standards.
• Prepare and maintain procurement reports, budgets, and KPIs.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives in procurement and supply chain processes.
• Review requisitions for indirect and MRO items for compliance and place purchase orders.

Qualifications & Skills

• 3+ years of experience in procurement, preferably in raw materials for manufacturing or production environments.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Knowledge of supply chain management principles, inventory control, and procurement best practices.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (Syspro, Eclipse) and Microsoft Office Suite
• Analytical mindset with the ability to assess data, trends, and risks.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience in industries such as manufacturing & textiles
• Knowledge of international sourcing and import/export regulations.

Familiarity with sustainability and ethical sourcing practices.