Continuous Improvement Manager Jobs in Rice, MN (NOW HIRING)

Senior Buyer: Leading Strategic Supplier Partnerships, New Product Development, and Supply Chain Excellence

Are you a strategic thinker who thrives on building strong supplier relationships, leading cross-functional initiatives, and driving continuous improvement? As a Senior Buyer at Park Industries, you will serve as a key partner in managing critical supplier accounts, supporting new product development initiatives, and ensuring purchasing strategies align with operational and customer needs. You'll collaborate with suppliers, engineers, project teams, and internal stakeholders to optimize performance, reduce risk, and support Park's commitment to innovation and operational excellence.

Who We Are

Founded in 1953, Park Industries is the largest North American manufacturer of stoneworking machinery, headquartered in St. Cloud, Minnesota. As a third-generation, family-owned company, Park Industries is rooted in innovation, customer satisfaction, and industry-leading service. Our commitment to quality and continuous improvement drives everything we do.

What You'll Do

As a Senior Buyer, you'll play a critical role in developing supplier partnerships, supporting strategic initiatives, and ensuring purchasing processes effectively support business objectives.

Strategic Supplier Management

• Manage key supplier relationships and serve as the primary point of contact for strategically important supplier accounts.
• Evaluate supplier performance, identify improvement opportunities, and develop action plans to address supplier shortfalls.
• Develop, recommend, and implement supplier and inventory management strategies that improve performance, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Proactively anticipate supplier challenges and drive resolution before they impact Park operations or customers.

New Product Development & Project Leadership

• Serve as the primary Purchasing representative on New Product Development projects.
• Partner with engineering, project teams, and suppliers to ensure purchasing requirements are effectively communicated and executed.
• Manage purchasing activities related to capital expenditure projects while ensuring compliance with departmental guidelines.
• Coordinate supplier involvement throughout project lifecycles to support successful launches and implementation.

Procurement Planning & ERP Management

• Ensure MRP planning parameters and ERP data remain accurate and aligned with business requirements.
• Manage Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), ensuring approvals, updates, and supplier communications are completed in a timely manner.
• Support inventory optimization efforts while maintaining supply continuity and operational efficiency.
• Monitor purchasing activities and recommend process improvements to enhance effectiveness and accuracy.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Provide clear, timely communication with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Participate in cross-functional teams focused on innovation, efficiency improvements, and operational excellence.
• Develop creative solutions to complex supplier and supply chain challenges.
• Contribute to strategic initiatives that strengthen Park’s supply chain and support long-term business goals.

Experience and Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience (preferred)

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of purchasing, supply chain, or related experience (required)
• Experience with ERP systems and material planning processes (preferred)
• Experience working with suppliers on audits, benchmarking, and performance improvement initiatives (preferred)
• Experience managing projects and supporting cross-functional teams (preferred)
• Experience in a manufacturing environment (preferred)
• Experience with supplier quoting and negotiations (preferred)
• APICS, MP, or related supply chain certifications (preferred)

Travel

• Ability to travel up to 20%

As a Senior Buyer at Park Industries, you'll work standard business hours Monday through Friday in a hybrid work environment that balances onsite collaboration at our St. Cloud, MN office with remote work flexibility and occasional supplier visits.

Why Join Us

At Park Industries, you'll have the opportunity to influence supplier strategy, support innovative product development, and drive meaningful improvements across the organization. You'll work alongside talented teams who are passionate about delivering exceptional solutions for our customers while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous growth.

We offer a competitive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k); HSA/FSA options; tuition reimbursement; paid time off; and more.

Pay Transparency Statement

In accordance with pay transparency regulations, the anticipated starting salary range for this position is $74,000 to $85,000 annually. Please note that this range is an estimate and not a guarantee; the final offer will be determined based on factors such as experience, education, qualifications, and overall fit for the position. Full-time employees may also be eligible for variable compensation, company-wide incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits eligibility may vary based on hire date, employment status, and hours worked.

Ready to Help Shape the Future of Park Industries?

If you're excited about developing strategic supplier partnerships, supporting new product innovation, and driving supply chain excellence, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and join a team committed to delivering exceptional results through collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence.