Lead Buyer / Procurement System Administrator
Location: Fergus Falls, MN
Salary Grade 7
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Lead Buyer / Procurement System Administrator to join our Strategic Sourcing team. In this dual-role position, you will play a critical part in ensuring the efficient procurement of materials and services while supporting and maintaining our procurement systems.
This role serves as a key liaison between internal stakeholders, vendors, and system users—ensuring procurement activities align with organizational standards, compliance requirements, and operational goals. You will also lead system administration efforts, support continuous improvement initiatives, and contribute to the development of a high-performing sourcing function.
The ideal candidate brings strong analytical and problem-solving skills, a collaborative mindset, and a passion for improving processes and systems.
The Lead Buyer / Procurement System Administrator will report to the Manager, Sourcing.
What You’ll Do
- Procurement & Sourcing Leadership - Manage the procurement of materials and services to support projects and daily operations. Serve as a primary point of contact for internal stakeholders on purchasing needs. Draft, review, and execute low-risk vendor contracts. Ensure compliance with organizational purchasing policies and procedures.
- System Administration & Reporting - Administer and maintain the Oracle Procurement subsystem, including monthly close processes, balancing, and reporting. Partner with Oracle subsystem administrators to identify and resolve balancing issues within the General Ledger. Provide system training (both in-person and virtual) to Oracle users across the organization.
- Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization - Identify and lead sourcing and procurement improvement initiatives to streamline workflows, enhance accuracy, and increase efficiency. Support cross-functional collaboration with Sourcing, Accounts Payable, and Inventory Control teams.
- Compliance & Controls - Monitor and enforce SOX key controls and ensure compliance reporting requirements are met. Ensure proper application of Sales and Use Tax for Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota on purchase order invoices.
- Team Development & Support - Provide guidance and support to plant buyers, sharing knowledge and best practices to strengthen team capabilities. Foster a collaborative and customer-focused environment.
- Vendor & Contract Management - Track and manage software licenses, renewals, and subscriptions. Build and maintain positive vendor relationships to support business needs.
What We’re Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Accounting, Computer Science, or a related field—or equivalent relevant experience.
- Foundational knowledge of purchasing processes, contracting practices, and procurement systems.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams.
- Proven ability to solve problems independently and conduct research to resolve complex issues.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to service excellence.
- Ability to quickly learn and apply knowledge related to tax regulations (Sales and Use Tax in MN, ND, SD).
- Experience with ERP systems (Oracle preferred) and data/reporting tools is a plus.
- Positive attitude, adaptability, and a continuous improvement mindset.
What We Offer
We believe employment is a partnership and we expect excellence from our talented employees. To support our employees and help drive their career experience and goals.
- Competitive wage & benefit package.
- The expected offer for base compensation for this role is $54,000 - $72,000 annually. The actual compensation within the compensation range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.
- Incentive plans
- Employee Stock Ownership options
- Retirement Savings Fund with employer match
- Health, disability and life insurance plan options
- Our employees are provided training and development opportunities each year, including education reimbursement. This includes safety – one of our values and key to our success technical, compliance and developmental training.
- Career development is critical to our long-term success. Otter Tail Power employees have opportunities to participate in various leadership development programs, gain access to an a la carte online leadership course catalog, receive mentorship from current leaders and more!
- Mental health support from the experts at SupportLinc as well as competitive vacation and sick leave to ensure employees are at their best when they’re working.
To apply, visit our careers page at www.otpco.com (http://www.otpco.com/).
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship at this time.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
