Plant Buyer

Role Purpose

The Plant Buyer is responsible for supporting manufacturing operations through effective procurement of both raw materials and non‑production materials and services. This role combines sourcing, supplier management, and transactional purchasing, working closely with internal stakeholders to ensure continuity of supply, cost competitiveness, and supplier performance.

The Buyer will manage supplier relationships, execute sourcing activities, and support daily purchasing needs in a plant-based manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute strategic sourcing and tactical buying activities, including supplier selection, RFQs/RFPs, bid analysis, negotiations, purchase order placement, and follow‑through through payment.
  
• Manage procurement of raw materials, non‑production materials, and services supporting manufacturing operations.
  
• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, and supply agreements to support cost, quality, and delivery objectives.
  
• Collaborate with Planning, Operations, Engineering, Quality, and other internal stakeholders to support material availability, new material introductions, and supplier changes.
  
• Identify and recommend alternate sources of supply to mitigate risk and support business continuity.
  
• Monitor supplier performance related to quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost; drive corrective actions as needed.
  
• Analyze supply risks related to capacity, lead times, and demand changes, and proactively communicate potential issues.
  
• Support supplier audits, quality claims coordination, and resolution of delivery or performance issues.
  
• Maintain accurate purchasing data, documentation, and supplier records within the ERP system.
  
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in sourcing processes, supplier performance, and cost management.
• Handle daily procurement tasks such as contract signing, PO placement, delivery follow-up, goods receipt, invoice reconciliation, payment application, data archiving, etc.

Experiences/Education - Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in procurement or sourcing within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
  
• Demonstrated experience with supplier sourcing, negotiations, and purchase execution.
  
• Solid understanding of procurement processes, supply continuity, and supplier management.
  
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
  
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, plant‑based environment.
  
• Experience working within an ERP system (SAP preferred).

Experiences/Education - Preferred

• Experience with global manufacturing and business through work or project experience.
• Experience sourcing direct materials, indirect materials, or a combination of both
  
• Exposure to manufacturing industries such as solar, renewable energy, electronics, glass, automotive, chemicals, or similar
  
• Experience supporting cost reduction initiatives and supplier performance improvement efforts
• Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), APICS or certification related to Supply Chain.
• Green Belt Certification.