Raw Material Buyer

The Associate Raw Materials Buyer supports the procurement team by assisting in the implementation of purchasing strategies, building and maintaining vendor relationships, ensuring accurate purchasing records, and collaborating across departments. This role provides opportunities to develop negotiation skills and gain experience in vendor management, pricing strategies, and contract execution.

Responsibilities

· Purchasing & Procurement Strategy: Assist in executing purchasing strategies to optimize cost, quality, and delivery of raw materials.

· Vendor Relations: Aid in building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers to ensure a reliable and cost-effective supply chain.

· Order Management: Prepare, process, and track purchase orders, ensuring accuracy in pricing, specifications, and delivery schedules.

· Quality Assurance: Ensure purchased materials meet required quality standards and specifications by collaborating with quality control teams.

· Negotiation Development: Learn and support price and contract negotiations to secure favorable terms for the company.

· Cross-Department Collaboration: Work closely with production, quality, and logistics teams to align purchasing with operational needs.

· Surplus Material Coordination: Assist in identifying, managing, and coordinating the disposal or repurposing of surplus materials.

· Market Research & Reporting: Help prepare and present market reports on pricing trends, supplier performance, and raw material availability.

· Data Management & Compliance: Maintain accurate purchasing records and ensure compliance with company policies and industry regulations.

· Liaison Role: Serve as a point of communication between purchasing, production, and finance teams to facilitate smooth operations.

Required Education and Experience

· Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

· 1-3 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain preferred.

· Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.

· Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

· Ability to multitask and manage priorities in a fast-paced environment.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and ERP systems.

· Knowledge of raw materials, metals, or manufacturing industries is a plus.

Required Skills/Abilities

· Negotiation Skills: Strong ability to negotiate contracts, prices, and terms with suppliers while balancing cost, quality, and delivery timelines.

· Strategic Thinking: Capable of developing and implementing long-term purchasing strategies that align with the company’s production and financial goals.

· Vendor Relationship Management: Proven ability to build and maintain long-term relationships with suppliers, ensuring consistent material quality and availability.

· Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills to assess market trends, monitor supplier performance, and forecast material requirements.

· Project Management: Excellent organizational and project management skills to handle multiple purchasing initiatives, timelines, and priorities.

· Problem-Solving Abilities: Ability to identify supply chain risks and challenges and develop proactive solutions to ensure uninterrupted material flow.

· Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including production, quality control, logistics, and finance.

· Attention to Detail: High level of attention to detail to manage accurate records, track purchase orders, and ensure materials meet quality specifications.

· Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to liaise with internal departments, suppliers, and management effectively.

· Time Management: Ability to manage tight deadlines, coordinate timelines, and prioritize tasks to meet production and business goals.

· Financial Acumen: Knowledge of cost analysis, budgeting, and financial reporting to ensure procurement aligns with company cost-saving objectives.

Work Environment

Office and on the shop floor

Physical Demands

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position – 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Days of work are Monday through Friday.

Overtime when necessary.