Sr. Buyer

We are looking for an experienced Sr. Buyer to support procurement operations for a machinery manufacturing organization in Columbia County, Wisconsin. This role is responsible for securing materials and services that meet production demands while balancing cost, quality, and delivery expectations. The position works closely with suppliers and internal teams to maintain reliable inventory flow, improve sourcing strategies, and support business objectives through informed purchasing decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing activities for assigned commodities by gathering supplier proposals, evaluating options, and negotiating favorable pricing and lead times.
• Monitor material demand and inventory signals within the ERP environment to help maintain appropriate stock levels and support uninterrupted production.
• Review planning outputs on a regular basis to identify purchasing needs, prioritize orders, and respond quickly to changing operational requirements.
• Create and manage purchase orders by confirming specifications, pricing, and timing, while following up with vendors to accelerate deliveries when needed.
• Build productive relationships with current suppliers through performance reviews, ongoing communication, and collaboration on service and quality improvements.
• Research and qualify new vendors to expand sourcing options, reduce supply risk, and strengthen overall procurement flexibility.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and ensure required documentation is properly collected, organized, and retained for compliance purposes.
• Partner with departments such as Engineering, Manufacturing, Accounts Payable, Estimating, Shipping/Receiving, and Parts Sales to resolve material issues and support business needs.
• Contribute to special sourcing initiatives, including materials evaluation for development projects and post-project cost reviews to identify improvement opportunities.Requirements of the PositionAssociate degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or a related field; comparable experience may also be considered.
• At least 5-7 years of purchasing or procurement experience in a manufacturing or industrial setting.
• Hands-on experience using ERP and planning systems, along with proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to interpret bills of materials, technical drawings, and product specifications is preferred.
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to manage supplier relationships and make sound purchasing decisions.
• Analytical mindset with solid math skills, close attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate across multiple departments.