<p>We are seeking a detail-oriented Buyer to support daily procurement activities for a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for purchasing products, supplies, and maintenance-related materials needed to support production and facility operations. The Buyer will play an important role in maintaining supply continuity, managing supplier relationships, and identifying opportunities to improve cost, quality, and service across the purchasing function.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p><ul><li>Manage routine purchasing activities for production and maintenance-related materials, including direct and indirect supplies.</li><li>Issue purchase orders and coordinate order placement to ensure materials arrive on time and production needs are met.</li><li>Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to support pricing, service, quality, and delivery expectations.</li><li>Identify, evaluate, and source new vendors based on cost competitiveness, quality standards, and operational fit.</li><li>Negotiate pricing, terms, and service levels with suppliers.</li><li>Monitor inventory requirements and purchasing activity to help prevent shortages or production disruptions.</li><li>Support cost-reduction efforts by identifying savings opportunities and assisting with bid processes or request-for-proposal initiatives when needed.</li><li>Partner with Quality and other internal teams on supplier approval activities, audits, and documentation requirements.</li><li>Oversee the full purchase order cycle, including order creation, supplier confirmation, delivery follow-up, receipt verification, and issue resolution.</li><li>Investigate and resolve supplier, invoicing, and payment discrepancies in a timely manner.</li><li>Help maintain accurate purchasing and item data within the ERP/MRP system.</li><li>Ensure procurement activities are aligned with established internal policies, procedures, and compliance standards.</li><li>Coordinate supplier onboarding, including collection of certifications, insurance documents, specifications, and other required records before initial purchase approval.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Qualifications</strong></p><ul><li>4+ years of purchasing or procurement experience in a manufacturing environment</li><li>Prior experience purchasing raw materials, ingredients, packaging, MRO, or similar operational supplies</li><li>Background in food, beverage, agriculture, consumer products, or other regulated manufacturing environments preferred</li><li>Strong negotiation, vendor management, and problem-solving skills</li><li>Ability to manage multiple priorities with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail</li><li>Strong written and verbal communication skills</li><li>Professional presence with the ability to work effectively with suppliers and cross-functional internal teams</li><li>Experience handling confidential information with discretion and integrity</li><li>Working knowledge of ERP or MRP systems; experience with Navision is a plus</li><li>Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint</li><li>Ability to analyze current processes and contribute to procurement improvements and strategic sourcing initiatives</li></ul><p>For immediate consideration, contact Robert Half at 209-232-1991. </p><p><br></p>