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Operational Buyer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Buyer

Nevada, IA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Buyer Company Overview Lithium Americas is a North American resource and materials company focused ... Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Business, and Engineering teams to clarify technical ...

Buyer

Altoona, IA · On-site

... operations, including limited capital equipment. This role involves placing and managing purchase ... Five (5) or more years of buying experience. * Ability to read and understand part drawings. * Mid ...

Buyer

Altoona, IA · On-site

... operations, including limited capital equipment. This role involves placing and managing purchase ... Five (5) or more years of buying experience. * Ability to read and understand part drawings. * Mid ...

Buyer

Altoona, IA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

As the Buyer based at Robinson's Altoona, Iowa plant, you will be responsible for procuring non-bill of materials items required to support facility operations, including limited capital equipment.

Senior Buyer

Huxley, IA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

As the Senior Buyer, you will report directly to the Director, Customer Success and hold ... Experience purchasing for a chemical, packaging, or process manufacturing operation preferred.

The Buyer role involves strategically managing a company's inventory, supplier relationships, and procurement processes to optimize product availability, cost-efficiency, and operational smoothness.

The Buyer position is responsible for purchasing and negotiating materials, equipment, and supplies ... With a strong manufacturing footprint in the United States and operations across Europe, India, and ...

The Buyer position is responsible for purchasing and negotiating materials, equipment, and supplies ... With a strong manufacturing footprint in the United States and operations across Europe, India, and ...

Buyer

Delhi, IA · On-site

Join Our Team as a Buyer at Epiroc! We're looking for a proactive, detailoriented Buyer who thrives ... Associate's degree in supply chain, Business, Operations, or related field (or equivalent ...

Buyer

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

The Buyer role involves strategically managing a company's inventory, supplier relationships, and procurement processes to optimize product availability, cost-efficiency, and operational smoothness.

The Buyer role involves strategically managing a company's inventory, supplier relationships, and procurement processes to optimize product availability, cost-efficiency, and operational smoothness.

The Buyer position is responsible for purchasing and negotiating materials, equipment, and supplies ... With a strong manufacturing footprint in the United States and operations across Europe, India, and ...

The Buyer position is responsible for purchasing and negotiating materials, equipment, and supplies ... With a strong manufacturing footprint in the United States and operations across Europe, India, and ...

The Buyer position is responsible for purchasing and negotiating materials, equipment, and supplies ... With a strong manufacturing footprint in the United States and operations across Europe, India, and ...

The Buyer position is responsible for purchasing and negotiating materials, equipment, and supplies ... With a strong manufacturing footprint in the United States and operations across Europe, India, and ...

Rite-Hite is seeking a Senior Buyer to join our team out of our Dubuque location. In this role, you ... Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Finance to align sourcing ...

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Showing results 1-20

Operational Buyer information

See Iowa salary details

$32.4K

$64.2K

$96.3K

How much do operational buyer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for operational buyer in Iowa is $64,231.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,700.00 and $74,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an operational buyer?

Operational Buyers are professionals responsible for managing the procurement of goods and services needed for a company’s day-to-day operations. They handle tasks such as placing purchase orders, negotiating with suppliers, ensuring timely delivery, and maintaining inventory levels. Their role is crucial in ensuring that materials and services are available to support ongoing business activities and production schedules. Operational Buyers often collaborate closely with other departments to understand their needs and resolve any supply chain issues efficiently.

What skills and qualifications does an operational buyer need?

To thrive as an Operational Buyer, you need strong analytical skills, a solid understanding of procurement processes, and typically a degree in supply chain management or a related field. Familiarity with ERP systems like SAP or Oracle, and sometimes certification such as CIPS, is often required. Excellent negotiation, organizational, and relationship-building skills help you communicate effectively with vendors and internal teams. These capabilities ensure cost-effective purchasing, timely supply chain operations, and strong supplier relationships, all crucial for organizational efficiency.

How does an operational buyer collaborate with other departments?

Operational Buyers work closely with departments such as inventory management, production, and finance to ensure that purchased goods and services meet quality, budget, and delivery requirements. They frequently coordinate with end users to clarify specifications, resolve delivery issues, and manage supplier relationships. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as Operational Buyers must balance departmental needs with organizational procurement policies. This cross-functional collaboration helps to minimize disruptions, control costs, and maintain consistent supply chains.

What is the difference between Operational Buyer vs Procurement Specialist?

AspectOperational BuyerProcurement Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires purchasing or supply chain certifications, relevant experienceOften requires similar certifications, with additional focus on procurement strategies
Work EnvironmentWorks within manufacturing or operational settings, handling day-to-day purchasingWorks in procurement departments, focusing on sourcing and supplier management
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, logistics, and industrial sectorsUsed across various industries including manufacturing, retail, and services
Search & Comparison IntentPeople compare to procurement roles to understand purchasing responsibilitiesOften compared to operational buyers to clarify scope and duties

Operational Buyers focus on executing purchase orders and managing day-to-day procurement activities within operational settings. Procurement Specialists have a broader role, including sourcing, supplier negotiations, and procurement strategy. While both roles require similar skills and certifications, Operational Buyers are more involved in immediate purchasing tasks, whereas Procurement Specialists handle strategic sourcing and supplier relationships.

Do operational buyers make a lot of money?

Operational buyers typically earn a median salary that varies by industry and location, with many earning between $50,000 and $70,000 annually. Experienced buyers with certifications or specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in larger organizations or competitive markets.

What are popular job titles related to Operational Buyer jobs in Iowa?

For Operational Buyer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Operational Buyer jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Operational Buyer jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Operational Buyer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,231 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

$80 - $100/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Lithium Americas is a North American resource and materials company focused on developing, building, and operating lithium deposits and chemical processing facilities. The company’s flagship asset, Thacker Pass, is located in Humboldt County in northern Nevada and is the world’s largest known measured lithium source and reserve. We are focused on safely and responsibly developing Thacker Pass to production to help strengthen national security and enable cleaner energy sources. We are committed to minimizing environmental impact, creating family-supporting jobs, and maximizing sustainable value for our stakeholders.

Buyer Company Overview Lithium Americas is a North American resource and materials company focused on developing, building and operating lithium deposits and chemical processing facilities. The company’s flagship asset, Thacker Pass, is located in Humboldt County in northern Nevada and is the world’s largest known measured lithium resource and reserve. We are focused on safely and responsibly developing Thacker Pass to production to help strengthen national security and enable cleaner energy sources. We are committed to minimizing environmental impact, creating family-supporting jobs and maximizing sustainable value for our stakeholders. Lithium Americas is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia and operates in the U.S., with offices in Reno, NV and Winnemucca, NV. The Company’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol LAC.

Our Purpose, Vision and Values Our purpose, vision and values are the guiding principles that will serve as the cornerstone of our company’s future direction and operations, aligning our team and organization towards our common goals. Our Purpose is to safely and sustainably produce lithium from Thacker Pass to enable North America to reduce dependence on foreign critical minerals and drive value for our stakeholders. Our Vision is to be North America’s leading lithium producer to enable cleaner energy sources. Our Values include Act with Integrity, Be Responsible and Act with Care, Commit to Excellence and Drive Innovation, and Be a Collaborative Partner.

Role

Role We are seeking a Buyer to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for executing the full purchasing cycle to support operational, maintenance, and project needs across the site. This includes sourcing, evaluating, and procuring materials, equipment, and consumables; managing Purchase Orders; and ensuring the timely and reliable delivery of critical goods to site. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organization committed to innovation, sustainability, and leadership in the clean energy sector. The role is based at our Winnemucca office and reports to the Supply Chain Manager. Occasional travel to other LAC offices, project sites, vendor locations, or other may be required.

Key Responsibilities
  • Source and procure materials, parts, equipment, and consumables in accordance with approved requisitions, specifications, and demand plans.
  • Prepare and issue Requests for Quotes (RFQs); collect, analyze, and evaluate vendor bids to support best value purchasing decisions.
  • Negotiate pricing, lead times, and commercial terms to optimize cost, quality, and delivery performance.
  • Create, review, and issue Purchase Orders (POs) in the ERP system, ensuring accuracy of pricing, terms, delivery dates, and financial coding.
  • Track open purchase orders, expedite urgent requirements, and proactively manage delivery schedules to support operational, maintenance, and project needs.
  • Develop and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers to ensure reliable supply, quality performance, and responsive service.
  • Resolve supplier-related issues including late deliveries, shortages, non‑conformances, and product quality concerns.
  • Support supplier onboarding by collecting and verifying required documentation such as W‑9s, insurance certificates, safety records, and compliance forms.
  • Monitor and report on supplier performance, including on‑time delivery, responsiveness, and quality metrics.
  • Support Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) program and KPI and metric input and reviews for suppliers.
  • Identify and support cost‑reduction opportunities through competitive bidding, supplier consolidation, and effective negotiation.
  • Ensure purchasing activities comply with Procurement Policy, Delegation of Authority, internal controls (including SOX, if applicable), and audit requirements.
  • Maintain accurate and complete procurement records, including quotes, pricing files, supplier communications, and purchase documentation.
  • Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Business, and Engineering teams to clarify technical requirements and material specifications.
  • Coordinate with Warehouse and Materials Management to confirm inventory levels, delivery requirements, and receiving issues.
  • Partner with Finance and Accounts Payable to resolve invoice discrepancies, purchase order matching issues, and coding corrections.
  • Provide pricing, lead‑time, and supplier data to support planning, budgeting, and forecasting activities.
  • Builds and maintains trusted relationships across all teams while championing a culture that reflects and supports our Purpose, Vision, and Values.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
  • 2–5+ years of purchasing or procurement experience in mining, industrial manufacturing, construction, or similar heavy‑industry environments.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field preferred; independent combination of education and experience will be considered.
  • Experience working in a high‑volume, time‑sensitive procurement setting.
  • Familiarity with Master Service Agreements (MSAs), commercial terms, and basic contracting concepts is considered an asset.
  • High attention to detail with a strong focus on accuracy in documentation and purchasing records.
  • Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship‑building skills with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
  • Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a fast‑paced operational and project‑driven environment.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical specifications, drawings, and material requirements.
  • Strong negotiation skills with the ability to perform basic commercial and cost analysis.
  • Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications (Excel , Word , Outlook).
Personal commitment to Lithium Americas’ Purpose, Vision, and Values

Working at Lithium Americas At Lithium Americas, we believe our people are our most valuable asset. We offer a collaborative and inclusive work environment, with opportunities for long‑term growth and skills development. We are committed to building a diverse and respectful workplace and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Lithium Americas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, gender, disability, age, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Lithium Americas is a North American resource and materials company focused on developing, building, and operating lithium deposits and chemical processing facilities. The company's flagship asset, Thacker Pass, is located in Humboldt County in northern Nevada and is the world's largest known measured lithium source and reserve. We are focused on safely and responsibly developing Thacker Pass to production to help strengthen national security and enable cleaner energy sources. We are committed to minimizing environmental impact, creating family-supporting jobs, and maximizing sustainable value for our stakeholders.

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