Category Buyer

About Us

Valmont impacts millions of people around the world every day, yet they might not realize the many ways. Our technology is helping feed the growing population, supplying the world with more reliable energy and access to renewables, enhancing connectivity in remote and urban locations to create a sustainable future and so much more.

We are the modern workforce. Are you ready to move the world forward?

This position reports onsite, located in Farmington, Minnesota.

Job Description

We are seeking an Associate Category Buyer to play a key role in managing the procurement process for assigned categories across multiple North American Operations facilities.

Your focus will be on ensuring timely deliveries, shipment accuracy, and meeting both internal and external customer expectations.

As the primary liaison between Valmont and our suppliers, you'll contribute to strategic business decisions, manage purchase orders, and maintain strong supplier relationships.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Compile and summarize raw material demands across all North American Operations sites.
• Place purchase orders in a timely manner to meet demand across all NA Operations sites.
• Aggregate demand for category items and collaborate regularly with the Global Commodity Manager and Materials teams to review.
• Monitor and resolve system reports related to purchase orders across multiple sites.
• Evaluate supplier capacity to efficiently meet NA Ops demand.
• Obtain purchase order confirmations from suppliers and communicate updates across internal teams.
• Ensure compliance and complete documentation for all purchase orders.
• Lead regular status meetings with suppliers and internal stakeholders, tracking progress and addressing issues.
• Identify and lead process improvement initiatives to optimize resource utilization for your category.
• Foster strong internal customer satisfaction and build positive relationships with suppliers and Valmont stakeholders.
• Manage claims for rejected materials and address invoicing discrepancies.
• Oversee open purchase orders, including expediting, quantity adjustments, and date changes.
• Ensure transactional accuracy in all purchases and support Accounts Payable with credit/debit reconciliation.
• Contribute to supplier performance evaluations and lean initiatives.
• Collaborate with Global Commodity Managers to support supplier development and management.
• Review and enhance purchasing procedures to improve customer satisfaction and reduce costs.
• Provide support to other Category Buyers and act as a backup for central buying tasks.

Required Qualifications:

• PREFERRED: Bachelor's Degree with 0-1 years of experience or Associate's Degree with 2 years relevant experience or 3 years of relevant experience.
• Six months of experience in a production/manufacturing environment or a material control role.
• Judgment and decision-making skills while comparing relative cost and benefit potential.
• A strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in sales, operations, operations planning, master scheduling, production planning, inventory control, or production control within an MRP/ERP environment.
• Knowledge of customer service functions and shipping procedures.
• APICS (C.P.I.M.), CSCP, or Certified Purchasing Manager or Certified Professional in Inventory Management Certification.

Benefits

Valmont offers employees and their families a comprehensive Total Wellbeing benefit package to ensure their individual and family's overall wellness needs are met.

Some offerings are dependent upon the role, work schedule, or location and can include the following:

• Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental, and vision)
• 401k retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability, including maternity leave
• Work Life Support
• Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 per year
• Voluntary programs like tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one-on-one health coaching, mortgage services, and more

Valmont does not discriminate against any employee or applicant in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you have a disability and require any assistance in filling out the application for employment, email EEOCompliance@Valmont.com.