Job Details

Job Title: Senior Buyer
Department: Purchasing
Reports To: Purchasing Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt

Summary / Objective

Assists the Purchasing Manager in sourcing, evaluating, and negotiating the purchase of materials, equipment, supplies, and chemicals. Analyzes vendor quotes and services to identify the most cost-effective and reliable suppliers to support company operations.

Essential Functions

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Run and analyze daily MRP (Material Requirements Planning) reports to determine material needs
• Plan and purchase raw materials, components, indirect materials, supplies, and services, including those for QC and R&D external testing
• Monitor and manage open purchase orders; expedite, cancel, and update records as needed
• Report supply chain risks or disruptions to management proactively
• Negotiate supplier contracts, pricing, and payment terms to drive cost savings and value within defined authority levels and collaborate with management on higher-level agreements to ensure cost efficiency
• Update supplier data in the ERP system, including lead times, pricing, and MOQs
• Request, evaluate, and quote new and existing materials, components, and services
• Support supplier sourcing and qualification in alignment with R&D-led initiatives for new and ongoing business needs.
• Monitor and communicate changes from suppliers related to raw material specifications, availability, lead times, or pricing
• Collaborate with Customer Service to manage excess or obsolete materials
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities through negotiations or supplier optimization
• Participate in writing and managing RFPs/bid invitations; analyze submissions and present leadership contracts for awarding
• Participate in procurement strategy execution and support continuous improvement of policies and procedures
• Conduct vendor performance tracking and assist in supplier evaluations
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, cGMP, safety, and environmental regulations; complete required training
• Analyze procurement data using advanced Excel functions (e.g., VLOOKUP, PivotTables); report on KPIs
• Support audits, procurement reporting, and assist in training junior team members

Competencies

To perform this role successfully, the following skills and abilities are required:

• Strong understanding of purchasing processes and basic supply chain principles
• Proven ability to control costs and negotiate logistics, delivery schedules, and supplier terms
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (e.g., VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables)
• High level of organization and attention to detail
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to interpret and follow internal purchasing control procedures
• Flexibility to accommodate varied work schedules, including shift work if necessary
• Ability to pass background check and drug screening in compliance with company policy

Supervisory Responsibilities

1. This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment

This position will be based primarily in a typical climate‑controlled office environment. However, performance of this position does require a physical presence on the production floor at times and therefore, will experience characteristics commonly found in a manufacturing setting. Characteristics would include (but not limited to):

1. frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts; occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles.
2. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
3. Must adhere to and comply with all safety, cGMP and other relevant policies.

Physical Demands

1. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work

1. This is a full‑time position. The base days and hours are Monday through Friday, eight (8) hours per shift depending on shift assigned.
2. Due to the nature of the position, work will be required outside of regular business hours, including weekends, to ensure plant operations. Remote access is an available option when based on scenario, but this position is intended be primarily performed on‑site.

Travel

1. No travel is expected for this position.

Required Education & Experience

1. Bachelor's degree in related field AND minimum 4 years of buying experience; OR any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Preferred Education & Experience Language Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English; ability to read and write clear correspondence
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members, vendors, and other stakeholders
• Basic math skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and interpreting simple data such as percentages and ratios
• Ability to analyze information, identify problems, and support decision‑making with data
• Comfortable interpreting technical instructions and procurement‑related documentation
• Relevant certifications or licenses preferred but not required
• Bilingual language skills are a plus