BUYER / PURCHASER
Position Summary
The Buyer/Purchaser plays a critical role in ensuring our manufacturing operation has the right materials, from the right suppliers, at the right time, and at the best total value. This position is far more than issuing purchase orders—it is responsible for proactively managing supplier performance, anticipating supply risks, negotiating favorable pricing and terms, and driving continuous improvements that directly impact production, inventory, and profitability.
The successful candidate is highly organized, naturally detail-oriented, self-motivated, and thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. They take ownership, solve problems before they become emergencies, and consistently look for opportunities to improve cost, efficiency, and supplier performance.
About Accurate Fabrication
Accurate Fabrication is a growing precision sheet metal manufacturer serving industry-leading customers with high-quality fabricated components and assemblies. We pride ourselves on teamwork, accountability, continuous improvement, and delivering exceptional service to our customers.
Our purchasing team plays a vital role in our success by ensuring production never stops because of material shortages while continuously improving supplier partnerships and reducing total costs.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Purchasing
- Purchase raw materials including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, hardware, fabricated components, packaging, tooling, maintenance supplies, and production consumables.
- Develop purchasing strategies that balance cost, quality, inventory levels, and supplier performance.
- Continuously evaluate supplier competitiveness and identify opportunities to reduce total cost.
- Research and qualify new suppliers to improve capacity, reduce risk, and increase competitiveness.
Supplier Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers.
- Negotiate pricing, payment terms, lead times, freight strategies, and long-term agreements.
- Hold suppliers accountable for delivery commitments and quality expectations.
- Monitor supplier performance through measurable metrics and implement corrective actions when necessary.
- Resolve delivery issues, shortages, quality concerns, invoice discrepancies, and supplier nonconformance quickly and professionally.
Production Support
- Partner closely with Production Planning to ensure uninterrupted material availability.
- Anticipate shortages before they impact production and develop recovery plans.
- Monitor inventory levels while maintaining appropriate inventory turns.
- Coordinate material requirements for new product launches and engineering changes.
- Communicate supply risks early and develop contingency plans.
ERP & Inventory Management
- Create, review, and manage purchase orders within the ERP system.
- Maintain accurate supplier records, pricing, lead times, and purchasing data.
- Ensure ERP data integrity through disciplined maintenance of purchasing information.
- Support physical inventory counts and inventory accuracy initiatives.
- Analyze purchasing trends, supplier performance, and inventory reports to identify opportunities for improvement.
Continuous Improvement
- Identify cost savings opportunities through supplier negotiations and process improvements.
- Recommend improvements that increase purchasing efficiency and reduce waste.
- Challenge existing processes when better solutions exist.
- Stay informed on commodity pricing, market conditions, and supply chain trends that may impact the business.
What Success Looks Like
A successful Buyer at Accurate Fabrication:
- Prevents material shortages before production is impacted.
- Maintains exceptional supplier relationships while holding suppliers accountable.
- Continuously identifies cost savings opportunities.
- Keeps ERP purchasing information accurate and current.
- Makes informed decisions using data and sound judgment.
- Takes ownership without waiting for direction.
- Finds solutions instead of identifying problems.
- Contributes ideas that improve purchasing, inventory, and supplier performance.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Associate or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related field preferred.
- Minimum 3 years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience purchasing raw materials, fabricated components, industrial supplies, or manufacturing services.
- Experience using ERP or MRP systems (JobBOSS² experience is a plus).
- Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications
- Purchasing experience within sheet metal fabrication or metal manufacturing.
- APICS, CPSM, or related supply chain certification.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles.
- Experience with supplier development and strategic sourcing.
- Understanding of inventory management and production planning.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
The ideal candidate is someone who naturally demonstrates:
- Exceptional attention to detail
- High sense of ownership and accountability
- Strong organizational skills
- Self-motivation
- Initiative without constant supervision
- Excellent negotiation skills
- Critical thinking
- Sound business judgment
- Strong follow-through
- Ability to remain calm under pressure
- Professionalism in difficult supplier conversations
- Continuous improvement mindset
- Ability to prioritize competing demands
- Strong interpersonal skills across all departments
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Performance in this role will be measured by:
- Material availability supporting production
- Supplier on-time delivery
- Supplier quality performance
- Purchase price variance (PPV)
- Cost savings achieved
- Inventory turns
- Inventory accuracy
- ERP data accuracy
- Purchase order accuracy
- Supplier responsiveness
- Stockout occurrences
- Expedite frequency
- Supplier lead-time reduction
- Payment term improvements
Physical Requirements
- Ability to remain seated for extended periods while using a computer.
- Frequent use of computers, telephones, and office equipment.
- Occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to walk throughout the manufacturing facility.
- Wear required PPE while in production areas.
Working Conditions
- Primarily office environment with daily interaction throughout the manufacturing floor.
- Occasional exposure to noise, machinery, forklifts, and varying temperatures.
- Standard Monday-Friday schedule with occasional overtime based on business demands.
Who Will Excel in This Role?
This position is ideal for someone who enjoys solving problems, building relationships, and making a measurable impact on the business. The best candidates are naturally curious, highly organized, and driven to improve every process they touch.
If you simply place purchase orders, this role will feel challenging.
If you enjoy negotiating, analyzing data, preventing problems before they happen, improving supplier performance, and taking ownership of your work, you'll thrive here.
Pay: From $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
