Job Title: Senior Buyer (Manufacturing)
Location: Crystal Lake, IL 60012
Duration: Full-Time | Potential for Permanent Placement
Position Summary:
We are seeking an experienced and proactive Senior Buyer to lead procurement and inventory operations in a dynamic manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for purchasing, inventory control, supplier relationship management, and cost optimization. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, a systematic approach to problem-solving, and experience working with ERP systems and MRP planning.
Key Responsibilities:
Procurement & Purchasing:
Generate and approve purchase orders; assign POs to trained staff and ensure timely processing.
Monitor order fulfillment, conduct follow-ups, and implement corrective actions with suppliers as needed.
Ensure purchase specifications are met and manage backorders to maintain production flow.
Supplier Management:
Maintain and evaluate supplier performance through scorecards and annual reviews.
Negotiate pricing, terms, and long-term agreements with vendors.
Identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers as needed.
Conduct supplier site visits to ensure compliance with quality standards and ISO requirements.
Inventory & Cost Management:
Generate and analyze stocking reports to ensure availability of key materials.
Collaborate with the Production Manager to align purchase schedules with production demands.
Lead regular inventory counts and implement improvements in material handling and stocking strategies.
Support management with costing projects and cost-saving initiatives.
Administrative & ERP Functions:
Maintain accurate purchasing data in ERP and Salesforce systems.
Handle documentation, filing, and reporting as required.
Coordinate with internal teams across production, quality, and finance to support seamless operations.
Qualifications:
Bachelorโs degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Logistics, or related field.
APICS or relevant certification preferred.
Minimum 5 years of experience in a procurement or buying role within a manufacturing environment.
Strong knowledge of MRP systems and supplier negotiation practices.
Proficient in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, graphs, macros/VBA).
Exceptional communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings/blueprints.
Experience with payables is a plus.