Buyer
Base Salary: $65,000 to $80,000
Location: Nashville, TN
Job Summary
We are seeking a detail-oriented Buyer to manage purchasing activities, vendor coordination, and inventory control. The ideal candidate will have experience in procurement execution, cost control, and data analysis to ensure efficient material supply for production. This role requires strong organizational skills, ERP proficiency, and the ability to collaborate with internal teams and vendors.
Key Responsibilities
1. Procurement Execution
- Issue and manage purchase orders to approved vendors based on production and inventory needs.
- Monitor and track orders to ensure timely material delivery.
- Verify order accuracy, ensuring alignment with vendor agreements, pricing, and delivery schedules.
2. Vendor Coordination
- Serve as the primary contact for vendors regarding order status, changes, and issue resolution.
- Follow up with vendors to ensure on-time deliveries and address any delays or discrepancies.
- Ensure vendor compliance with quality and specification requirements.
3. Inventory Management
- Monitor stock levels to maintain sufficient supply while minimizing excess inventory.
- Plan replenishment orders based on production forecasts and usage trends.
- Work with production and logistics teams to determine optimal safety stock levels.
4. Quality and Issue Resolution
- Collaborate with quality assurance teams to verify incoming materials meet required standards.
- Address defective or non-compliant materials with vendors and coordinate returns or replacements.
- Track vendor performance and escalate recurring issues as needed.
5. Cost Control and Budgeting
- Ensure all purchases adhere to agreed-upon pricing and terms.
- Maintain accurate records of expenditures and report variances to procurement or finance teams.
- Identify opportunities to optimize purchasing efficiency and reduce costs.
6. Documentation and Compliance
- Maintain detailed records of purchase orders, delivery receipts, and vendor communications.
- Ensure all purchasing activities comply with company policies and industry regulations.
- Support internal audits by providing procurement documentation as needed.
7. Collaboration and Support
- Work closely with production planners to align material orders with manufacturing needs.
- Coordinate with logistics teams for smooth delivery and receipt of materials.
- Communicate order status and potential delays to internal stakeholders.
8. Continuous Improvement
- Suggest process optimizations to enhance procurement efficiency.
- Stay updated on vendor changes, including pricing adjustments and new capabilities.
- Ensure procurement systems and records are up to date for accurate tracking and reporting.
Qualifications
- 2+ years of procurement experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
- Strong Excel skills for data analysis and reporting.
- ERP system experience (SAP, Oracle, or similar preferred).
- Experience with cycle counting and inventory tracking.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in the automotive or manufacturing industry.
- Knowledge of procurement best practices and cost-saving strategies.
- Ability to manage multiple vendors and prioritize tasks effectively.
