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Operational Buyer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Senior Buyer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Senior Buyer** to join our team out of our Dubuque location. In this role, you'll lead strategic ... Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Finance to align sourcing ...

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 ...

Site Materials Buyer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Build Your Career in Operations Leadership At Transco Rail Services, we don't just repair railcars ... As a Materials Buyer, you will play a critical role in supporting production by planning ...

Site Materials Buyer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Build Your Career in Operations Leadership At Transco Rail Services, we don't just repair railcars ... As a Materials Buyer, you will play a critical role in supporting production by planning ...

Build Your Career in Operations Leadership At Transco Rail Services, we don't just repair railcars ... As a Materials Buyer, you will play a critical role in supporting production by planning ...

Purchasing Buyer I Reports to: Indirect Purchasing Leader Summary/Objective The Purchasing Buyer I ... This position will work closely with Operations to ensure reliable cost-effective supply of ...

Purchasing Buyer

Keokuk, IA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Purchasing Buyer I Reports to: Indirect Purchasing Leader Summary / Objective The Purchasing Buyer ... This position will work closely with Operations to ensure reliable cost-effective supply of ...

Purchasing Buyer I Reports to: Indirect Purchasing Leader Summary/Objective The Purchasing Buyer I ... This position will work closely with Operations to ensure reliable cost-effective supply of ...

Buyer - Supply Chain

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$57K - $72K/yr

Description The Supply Chain Buyer will be responsible for coordinating purchasing activities for ... This position reports to the Operations Support Manager, Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm ...

Buyer - Supply Chain

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$57K - $72K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description The Supply Chain Buyer will be responsible for coordinating ... This position reports to the Operations Support Manager, Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm ...

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/Planner

Coralville, IA · On-site

$52K - $71K/yr

Identifying and executing purchasing and operational cost savings or quality improvement projects. * Performing market analysis and executing sourcing plans. Result: High quality and reliable ...

Showing results 21-40

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.

Senior Buyer

Dubuque, IA • On-site

Rite-Hite Corporation
Machinery Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

$100 - $125/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Rite-Hite rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 499 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

## Senior BuyerApplylocations: USA-IA-Dubuque Headquarterstime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: JR102408**At Rite-Hite, your work makes an impact.** As the global leader in loading dock and door equipment, we design and deliver solutions that keep our customers safe, secure, and productive. Here, you’ll find innovation, stability, and the chance to grow your career as part of a team that’s always looking ahead. **Rite-Hite** is seeking a **Senior Buyer** to join our team out of our Dubuque location. In this role, you'll lead strategic sourcing and supplier management initiatives while ensuring the timely procurement of materials that keep our manufacturing operations running smoothly. Working cross-functionally with internal teams and supplier partners, you'll drive cost, quality, and supply performance to support our business and customers. **Safety Responsibilities:*** Support and promote a culture of safety.* Follow all Company and OSHA safety policies and procedures.* Proper use of required personal protective equipment (PPE)* Report hazards, near misses and incidents promptly**Job Responsibilities:*** Develop and execute supplier strategies aligned with cost, capacity, quality, and service objectives, ensuring mid-term supply continuity and operational stability.* Lead supplier negotiations, long-term agreements, and pricing strategies to optimize total cost of ownership while supporting cost savings and avoidance initiatives across the business.* Drive supplier performance management through scorecards, performance reviews, and corrective action plans to improve delivery, quality, and reliability.* Identify, assess, and mitigate supply chain risks, including capacity constraints, single-source dependencies, and material availability issues, ensuring proactive continuity planning.* Analyze part consumption patterns, demand variability, and supply conditions to define and influence inventory strategies, including safety stock, service levels, and inventory turns.* Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Finance to align sourcing strategies with production schedules, capacity constraints, and new product development (NPD) requirements.* Support new product development by evaluating supplier capability, capacity, and readiness, and advising on sourcing and material flow strategies during NPD phases.* Monitor demand, capacity, and market trends to proactively recommend sourcing, planning, and risk mitigation strategies.* Provide guidance and mentorship to Buyer/Planner roles, ensuring effective purchase order management, issue resolution, and adherence to procurement best practices.* Contribute to continuous improvement of procurement, planning, and ERP/MRP processes, including automation, data accuracy, and process efficiency enhancements.**Education & Experience*** Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Supply Chain, Business, Operations Management, or related field, or equivalent experience.* Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain within a manufacturing environment.**Certifications/License*** None required**Knowledge/Skills/Abilities*** Strong strategic sourcing and supplier negotiation skills.* Proven ability to analyze data and balance cost, service, and risk.* Working knowledge of MRP/ERP systems (JD Edwards preferred).* Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.* Strong communication, influence, and cross-functional collaboration skills. **Education & Experience*** Experience supporting complex or configurable manufactured products.* Experience leading cost reduction or value engineering initiatives.* Experience using supply chain tools (e.g. Supplier EDI, Spendonomics, Procurable).* Experience with ERP systems (e.g., Oracle, JD Edwards) preferred.**Certifications/License*** APICS (CPIM or CSCP), CPSM, or similar certification preferred.**Knowledge/Skills/Abilities*** Experience mentoring or leading others in a non-direct supervisory capacity.* Strong financial acumen and understanding of total cost of ownership.**Role Specific Compliance Requirements*** Ability to meet customer site access and safety requirements (if applicable)* Must meet company motor vehicle record (MVR) standards (if driving is required)* Ability to pass background check* Eligibility to work in the United States**Work Location, Schedule and Environment*** Work Environment: Office environment with regular interaction with manufacturing and suppliers.* While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and use hands to manipulate objects or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. On occasion, the employee may be required to stoop, bend, or reach above the shoulders. The employee must occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Specific conditions of this job are typical of frequent and continuous computer-based work requiring periods of sitting, close vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Occasional travel may be required.*Disclaimer: All responsibilities and requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.**This Job description in no way states or implies that these are the only responsibilities to be performed by an employee occupying this job. This job description is subject to change, and the employer retains the right to change or modify the duties of this job at any time.***What We Offer**At Rite-Hite, we take care of our people – because when you’re supported, you can do your best work. Our benefits are designed to support your health, your future and your life outside of work:* *Health & Well-being:* Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus life and disability insurance. A robust well-being program with an opportunity to receive an extra day off and more.* *Financial Security:* A strong retirement savings program with 401(k), company match, and profit sharing.* *Time for You:* Paid holidays, vacation time, and personal/sick days each year.Join us and build a career where you’re supported – at work and beyond.Rite-Hite is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.In accordance with VEVRAA, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for protected veterans.We are also committed to maintaining a **drug-free workplace** for the safety of our employees and customers. #J-18808-Ljbffr

What Rite-Hite employees say

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About Rite-Hite

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rite-Hite is the global leader in the manufacture and distribution of industrial loading dock and door equipment. Our innovative products and world class sales organization ensure solid, consistent growth, both for our company and our staff.

Industry

Machinery manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Milwaukee, WI, US

Year founded

1965

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