<p>Buyer - Manufacturing - Kent, OH</p> <p>Are you a strategic sourcing professional who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment? We're looking for a driven Buyer to join our supply chain team in Kent, Ohio - someone who balances day-to-day purchasing execution with long-term supplier strategy to keep our operations running at their best.</p> <p>What You'll Do</p> <p>As the central point of contact for all sourcing activity - both direct and indirect spend - you'll serve as a strategic and tactical partner to the business, ensuring consistent supply that meets specifications at the lowest possible cost of ownership.</p> <ul> <li>Monitor current and future demand in our ERP system; provide proactive feedback to the Supply Chain team on trends, irregularities, and potential supply gaps </li><li>Create and implement action plans to mitigate supply risk and optimize total cost </li><li>Place purchase orders in a timely manner to approved suppliers, meeting production, stocking, and NPD/testing requirements </li><li>Provide forecast information to key suppliers through reports or long-range purchase orders </li><li>Monitor supplier on-time delivery and purchase order acceptance on a continuous basis </li><li>Communicate with suppliers regarding expedite needs and ship date changes </li><li>Address raw and component material NCRs and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence </li><li>Maintain inventory accuracy through raw material reconciliation and transaction review </li><li>Drive continuous improvements to purchasing processes and tools </li><li>Support additional projects and initiatives aligned with broader business goals </li><li>Model company values and uphold our commitment to quality products and processes </li></ul> <p>What You Bring</p> <p>Experience</p> <ul> <li>3+ years of purchasing or planning experience in a manufacturing environment, including supplier negotiations </li><li>Minimum 10 years of related experience considered in lieu of a degree </li></ul> <p>Education & Certifications</p> <ul> <li>Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; or 3-5 years of equivalent experience in manufacturing purchasing or procurement </li><li>APICS certification is a plus </li></ul> <p>Skills</p> <ul> <li>Strong analytical mindset with a bias toward fact-based decision making </li><li>Excellent relationship-building skills with both suppliers and internal stakeholders </li><li>Outstanding listening and communication skills to understand requirements and supplier motivations </li><li>Highly proficient in ERP/MRP systems and MS Office products </li></ul> <p>Compliance</p> <ul> <li>Must be eligible for any required US government authorizations in conformance with US export regulations (ITAR 120.15 and EAR Part 772) </li></ul> <p>Physical Requirements</p> <p>Primarily office-based with movement throughout office and plant environments. Requires frequent sitting, standing, and walking; occasional lifting up to 30 lbs, bending, and climbing. Approximately 10% travel. All requirements can be met with or without reasonable accommodation.</p> <p>Why Join Us?</p> <p>Kent, Ohio is home to a strong and growing manufacturing community - and we're proud to be part of it. You'll join a team that values collaboration, continuous improvement, and doing things the right way.</p> <p>Ready to make an impact? Apply today.</p>