Buyer

Buyer - Custom Manufacturing
Location: Crystal Lake, IL

About the Role
We are looking for a detail-oriented Buyer to manage the procurement of custom-manufactured components and essential materials for our operations. This role is the primary purchasing position within the company, overseeing procurement for approximately 400 SKUs. You’ll work closely with engineering and production teams to ensure timely, cost-effective, and high-quality sourcing of proprietary parts, packaging materials, office supplies, tools, and other key items.
This position is open due to an internal promotion and offers the opportunity to take full ownership of purchasing operations in a dynamic and growing custom manufacturing environment.
Why Join Us?

• Competitive Pay – $75,000 - $85,000 annual salary
• Full Benefits Package – Health, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability
• Retirement Planning – 401(k) with company match
• Career Growth – Opportunity in a high-growth environment
• Collaborative Work Environment – Work alongside engineering and production teams to ensure seamless procurement processes

What You’ll Do

• Manage Procurement Activities – Issue and track purchase orders, ensuring on-time delivery and cost-effective sourcing
• Supplier Coordination – Work with vendors to negotiate pricing, confirm delivery schedules, and address supply chain challenges
• Inventory Oversight – Process weekly reorder reports, maintain stock levels, and make purchasing adjustments based on demand
• System Management – Issue purchase orders in and coordinate data entry into ERP
• Supplier Research & Cost Analysis – Identify alternate vendors, analyze pricing, and evaluate lead times to optimize purchasing decisions
• Compliance & Documentation – Maintain accurate purchasing records, ensuring all necessary documentation is collected and stored for easy reference
• Supplier Management – Conduct vendor evaluations and maintain an approved supplier list
• Cost Control – Monitor spending, approve payments, and ensure procurement aligns with financial targets
• Cross-Functional Collaboration – Work closely with engineering and production teams to ensure procurement aligns with manufacturing requirements

What You Bring

• 3 years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment; prefer a custom or job shop manufacturing environment
• Strong problem-solving and negotiation skills – ability to analyze vendor options and resolve procurement challenges
• Highly organized and detail-oriented – capable of managing multiple orders, vendors, and deadlines effectively
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills – prefer experience working with engineers, production teams, and suppliers
• Proficiency in ERP & MS Office Tools – experience with QuickBooks, Excel, and ERP systems preferred
• Knowledge of inventory management principles – understanding of order points, inventory turns, and reorder formulas
• Ability to read engineering drawings and blueprints is a plus

Preferred Qualifications

• BS/BA in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering or a related field preferred but not required
• Experience purchasing components and raw materials within manufacturing, metal fabrication, or industrial manufacturing environments is required
• Exposure to technical and engineered components, custom or job shop environments is preferred

Who We Are
We are a custom manufacturer producing components and parts used in the automotive, oil & gas, space, and defense industries. Our commitment to precision engineering and high-quality production allows us to serve diverse and demanding industries, ensuring top-tier performance in every part we manufacture.
Ready to Apply?
If you’re an experienced purchasing professional with a strong manufacturing background, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and become a key player in our procurement operations!

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