Buyer
WeldFit, Houston, TX, United States
Buyer
Reporting to the Procurement Manager, the Buyer is responsible for executing procurement strategies that support the company's operational and financial objectives. This key role goes beyond transactional purchasing to focus on strategic sourcing, cost optimization, supplier relationship management, and process improvement. The buyer will also collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, production, and planning teams to ensure materials and services are sourced efficiently, meet technical requirements, and align with business targets.
Vendor & Supplier Management
Develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with suppliers to ensure alignment with company objectives and performance standards
Assist with the identification, evaluation, and onboarding of new suppliers or alternative sources to support cost optimization, quality improvement, and risk mitigation
Assist in the preparation for supplier performance reviews and implement corrective actions where necessary
Strategic Sourcing & Cost Optimization
Execute sourcing strategies for raw materials, tooling, components, and indirect spend categories to achieve cost savings and value creation
Perform market analysis, benchmarking, and total cost of ownership evaluations to support strategic decision-making
Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts to secure favorable agreements and long-term partnerships
Inventory & Demand Management
Source raw materials, tooling, and components in alignment with Sales & Operations Planning targets, production schedules, and company requirements.
Place purchase orders to ensure timely availability of materials that meet quality and technical specifications for manufacturing and operational needs.
Collaborate with planning and production teams to adjust procurement activities based on demand fluctuations, lead times, and inventory strategies
Process & Compliances
Implement and continuously improve procurement processes, systems, and tools to enhance efficiency, compliance, and transparency
Ensure adherence to company policies, quality standards, and regulatory requirements throughout the procurement cycle.
Maintain accurate procurement records, including purchase history, supplier documentation, and change notices
Operational Support
Prepare and issue purchase orders in accordance with established guidelines and ensure timely follow-up and order fulfillment
Resolve order discrepancies, billing issues, and quality concerns in coordination with suppliers and internal stakeholders
Manage returns and ensure suppliers meet technical and quality specifications
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Collaborate with engineering to review drawings and Bills of Material, ensuring purchased parts and specifications are clearly defined for sourcing and communicated accurately to suppliers.
Support continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to procurement strategies that drive operational excellence.
Coordinate with service providers for maintenance and support of equipment as needed
Qualifications
Education/Experience Requirements:
Associate's degree or 2 years' worth of experience in a related field
Prior purchasing experience in a raw material or component environment
Required Skills:
Communication and collaboration skills
Negotiation skills
Contract Management
Ability to interpret technical drawings and Bills of Materials (BOMs) for sourcing accuracy
Proficient in ERP systems and procurement tools
Analytical mindset with ability to perform market analysis and cost benchmarking
Detail-oriented
Data Analysis and Reporting
Risk Management
Project Management
Travel Requirements:
0%
Reporting to the Procurement Manager, the Buyer is responsible for executing procurement strategies that support the company's operational and financial objectives. This key role goes beyond transactional purchasing to focus on strategic sourcing, cost optimization, supplier relationship management, and process improvement. The buyer will also collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, production, and planning teams to ensure materials and services are sourced efficiently, meet technical requirements, and align with business targets.
Vendor & Supplier Management
Develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with suppliers to ensure alignment with company objectives and performance standards
Assist with the identification, evaluation, and onboarding of new suppliers or alternative sources to support cost optimization, quality improvement, and risk mitigation
Assist in the preparation for supplier performance reviews and implement corrective actions where necessary
Strategic Sourcing & Cost Optimization
Execute sourcing strategies for raw materials, tooling, components, and indirect spend categories to achieve cost savings and value creation
Perform market analysis, benchmarking, and total cost of ownership evaluations to support strategic decision-making
Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts to secure favorable agreements and long-term partnerships
Inventory & Demand Management
Source raw materials, tooling, and components in alignment with Sales & Operations Planning targets, production schedules, and company requirements.
Place purchase orders to ensure timely availability of materials that meet quality and technical specifications for manufacturing and operational needs.
Collaborate with planning and production teams to adjust procurement activities based on demand fluctuations, lead times, and inventory strategies
Process & Compliances
Implement and continuously improve procurement processes, systems, and tools to enhance efficiency, compliance, and transparency
Ensure adherence to company policies, quality standards, and regulatory requirements throughout the procurement cycle.
Maintain accurate procurement records, including purchase history, supplier documentation, and change notices
Operational Support
Prepare and issue purchase orders in accordance with established guidelines and ensure timely follow-up and order fulfillment
Resolve order discrepancies, billing issues, and quality concerns in coordination with suppliers and internal stakeholders
Manage returns and ensure suppliers meet technical and quality specifications
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Collaborate with engineering to review drawings and Bills of Material, ensuring purchased parts and specifications are clearly defined for sourcing and communicated accurately to suppliers.
Support continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to procurement strategies that drive operational excellence.
Coordinate with service providers for maintenance and support of equipment as needed
Qualifications
Education/Experience Requirements:
Associate's degree or 2 years' worth of experience in a related field
Prior purchasing experience in a raw material or component environment
Required Skills:
Communication and collaboration skills
Negotiation skills
Contract Management
Ability to interpret technical drawings and Bills of Materials (BOMs) for sourcing accuracy
Proficient in ERP systems and procurement tools
Analytical mindset with ability to perform market analysis and cost benchmarking
Detail-oriented
Data Analysis and Reporting
Risk Management
Project Management
Travel Requirements:
0%