Assistant Buyer Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

We're Hiring: Buyer II

Location: South Deerfield, MA  
Company: Pelican Products

Who We Are 

At Pelican, we engineer products that stand up to the world’s toughest conditions—because the people who rely on us do too. For nearly 50 years, we’ve been a trusted partner for military personnel, first responders, outdoor adventurers, and innovators who push the limits. 

With a global presence that includes 11 offices, 4 manufacturing facilities, and 4 custom case centers, we create high-performance protective solutions that ensure our customers can focus on what matters most. Whether it’s transporting critical medical supplies, securing mission-essential equipment, or keeping expedition gear safe, Pelican products are Built to Protect to Equip for the Mission. 

At Pelican, your work has a real-world impact. You’ll be part of a team driven by innovation, craftsmanship, and the shared belief that when the mission is critical, failure isn’t an option. If you’re ready to build something that makes a difference, be part of a team that protects what matters most. 

What You'll Do: 

You’ll manage your own buyer desk and supplier portfolio while partnering with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Planning, and other Procurement team members. Your focus will be ensuring we have the right materials, at the right cost and time, while improving supplier performance and reducing supply chain risk.

• Purchase materials and supplies across multiple domestic and international suppliers, managing approximately $5M to $10M in annual spend.
• Own supplier relationships, negotiate pricing and contracts, and make recommendations on supplier selection.
• Manage purchase orders and proactively address shortages, delivery issues, inventory concerns, and changing production requirements.
• Develop and execute commodity and sourcing strategies, including supplier consolidation, alternate sourcing, make-versus-buy analysis, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Target year-over-year purchasing savings through supplier negotiations and strategic sourcing projects.
• Monitor supplier performance using KPIs focused on quality, service, cost, and delivery, and drive improvement when expectations are not met.
• Lead new supplier qualification activities and conduct supplier evaluations and site visits as needed.
• Partner with New Product Development teams to identify sourcing solutions and build supply strategies for new products.
• Manage safety stock levels to balance inventory investment with production and customer requirements.
• Perform root cause analysis on stockouts, missed deliveries, and nonconforming materials and work with suppliers to establish long-term corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate supplier, purchasing, import/export, and material master data within the ERP system.
• Identify excess and obsolete inventory and recommend appropriate actions.
• Support ISO requirements, purchasing compliance, and continuous improvement across Procurement.

What We’re Looking For: 

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field, or 3 to 5 years of equivalent purchasing experience.
• Hands-on experience managing suppliers, purchase orders, material requirements, and delivery performance.
• Experience negotiating supplier pricing, contracts, or commercial terms.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make informed purchasing decisions.
• Experience working with an ERP system. SAP experience is a plus.
• Strong Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint skills.
• Ability to manage multiple suppliers, priorities, and purchasing projects at the same time.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build productive relationships with suppliers and internal teams.
• APICS, CPIM, or purchasing certification is a plus.
• Must be eligible to receive information controlled under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) requirements.

What’s In It For You: 

Join a company that truly values its employees! We offer a relaxed and casual work environment, a strong commitment to giving back to communities, and a focus on employee satisfaction. With regular opportunities to share feedback with leadership and structured performance evaluations, we ensure that your voice is heard and your growth is supported.

• Competitive paid time off plans / Holiday pay /extra vacation purchase opportunities
• 401k plan – with immediate match
• Great Benefits – several options including Pet insurance for our animal lovers
• Health Savings Account Contribution
• Wellness Discount Program
• Global Mental Wellness Program
• Quarterly Employee Celebration Days
• Peer to Peer Recognition Program
• Service Recognition Program
• Employee referral program
• Employee discount program on Pelican Products and gear
• Beautiful New England location
• Onsite Gym
• And more…

ITAR Compliance Notice:

This position is located at a facility that is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). In order to comply with these government regulations, applicants must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15). A U.S. Person includes a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), or individual granted asylum or refugee status in the United States.