Buyer

PositionDescription

The Buyer is responsible for sourcing, evaluating, and procuring materials and outsourced services necessary to support production schedules and project requirements. This role ensures cost-effective and timely purchasing while maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and supporting the Sourcing Manager in daily operations and strategic procurement initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing Supplier Relations

- Solicit and evaluate quotes for outsourced services and materials (e.g., fabrication, paint, GPO, copper bus, Lexan)

- Negotiate pricing and terms to meet or exceed project budget requirements

- Meet with suppliers as needed by Sourcing Manager

- Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to support business needs

- Support the lead buyer with daily procurement activities and strategic initiatives

- Track costs, compare prices, and monitor project budgets using Excel and other tools

- Identify opportunities for cost savings and coordinate with engineering on finding alternative materials

- Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality teams to ensure supplier capabilities meet project requirements

Order and Material Coordination

- Ensure timely procurement of materials at competitive prices to support production schedules

- Prepare, process, and expedite purchase orders as needed

- Tracks order acknowledgements and delivery

- Process Engineering Changes (ECs) related to material or vendor updates

- Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with warehouse or production teams to avoid shortages or delays

- Assist in resolving delivery issues, back orders, or quality or invoice discrepancies with suppliers

- Support compliance with company procurement policies and regulatory requirements

Performs additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills Abilities

Required

- Ability to read and understand engineering documents

- Proficient in Microsoft Office - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook

- Strong communication, facilitation, and active listening skills

- Organizational skills with attention to detail and task prioritization

- Basic mathematical ability

Preferred

- Understanding of basic mechanical/electrical design concepts and manufacturing environments

- Proficient in MS Project and MS OneNote for planning and documentation

- Strong negotiation skills with demonstrated experience leading supplier negotiation

- Ability to work in an ERP system (preferred GSS, MRP)

Qualifications Experience

Associate / Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field. CPM or CPSM are also accepted. At least 2-5 years of purchasing experience or relevant experience in a manufacturing environment.

Travel

Rare (optional)

Physical Demands and Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; talk and hear. The employee regularly is required to walk and reach with hands. The employee is frequently required to sit and rarely required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Employee uses computer keyboards often. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Employee views computer monitor often.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is rarely exposed to airborne particles or chemical agents. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Switchgear Power Systems is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.