<p>We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Lead or Senior Buyer to join our team in Duluth, Minnesota. In this long-term contract position, you will play a key role in managing procurement activities, optimizing inventory, and ensuring supplier compliance to meet production needs. This role requires strong communication and organizational skills to effectively collaborate across departments and suppliers.</p><p><br></p><p>Responsibilities:</p><p>• Oversee the coordination of purchase orders, requisitions, and requests for quotes to ensure timely procurement of production parts.</p><p>• Optimize inventory management using A/B/C purchasing methodologies to maintain efficiency.</p><p>• Establish suitable order policies based on supplier capabilities and production requirements.</p><p>• Review and act on exception messages such as expedites, deferrals, and cancellations of purchase orders.</p><p>• Collaborate with suppliers and logistics teams to organize cost-effective transportation and delivery methods.</p><p>• Address and resolve part shortages by expediting orders from suppliers to support on-time production.</p><p>• Monitor supplier performance and ensure compliance with technical specifications and quality standards.</p><p>• Support technical reviews and manage new component releases and design changes with the supply base.</p><p>• Create and maintain purchasing metrics to evaluate supplier and departmental performance.</p><p>• Lead continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to enterprise excellence projects.</p>

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in purchasing or procurement roles.<br>• Proficiency in managing purchasing functions and activities, including materials procurement.<br>• Strong knowledge of inventory optimization methods and supply chain management.<br>• Ability to evaluate supplier capabilities and establish effective procurement policies.<br>• Excellent problem-solving skills to address supply chain issues and implement corrective actions.<br>• Experience in coordinating transportation and logistics to ensure timely delivery of parts.<br>• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with suppliers and internal teams.<br>• Familiarity with conducting technical reviews and managing design changes within the supply chain.

<p>Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.</p> <p>Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. <a href="https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-app" target="_blank">Download the Robert Half app</a> and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.</p> <p>All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit <a href="https://roberthalf.gobenefits.net/" target="_blank">roberthalf.gobenefits.net</a> for more information.</p> <p>© 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to <a href="https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/terms">Robert Half’s Terms of Use</a>.</p>