Buyer

Job summary

Manage purchasing activities, purchase orders, supplier relationships, and material availability to meet production and operational needs. Support inventory planning, sourcing and cost-reduction initiatives, resolve supply risks, and improve purchasing processes in collaboration with internal teams.

Job details

Buyer Location: Kitchener, Ontario Position Overview A manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Buyer to support its purchasing and supply chain operations. This individual will be responsible for maintaining a reliable supply of materials, managing supplier relationships, supporting inventory goals, and identifying opportunities to improve cost, quality, and delivery performance. The ideal candidate is a proactive and organized purchasing professional who can balance daily operational needs with longer-term sourcing and process improvement initiatives. Key Responsibilities Manage purchasing activities to support production and operational requirements Review material requirements and issue purchase orders using an ERP or MRP system Purchase materials and components from domestic and international suppliers Monitor open and past-due purchase orders and communicate regularly with suppliers regarding delivery dates Maintain accurate purchasing information, including pricing, quantities, lead times, and delivery commitments Develop and maintain positive relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders Support supplier sourcing, evaluation, negotiation, and cost-reduction initiatives Identify supply risks and work with internal teams and suppliers to resolve shortages or delivery concerns Collaborate with production, planning, quality, engineering, customer service, and other departments Support inventory planning, forecasting, and continuous improvement initiatives Help document and improve purchasing processes and procedures Provide guidance and support to other members of the purchasing team Qualifications Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or a related field Five or more years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience Previous experience purchasing materials or components from international suppliers Previous experience in a manufacturing environment Experience with supplier negotiations, inventory control, and purchase order management Proficiency with ERP or MRP systems and Microsoft Office Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments Preferred Qualifications Previous leadership or team-development experience Experience purchasing manufactured components, raw materials, or technical products Experience with forecasting, replenishment planning, or lean manufacturing principles Supply chain certification is considered an asset Additional Information This position is based in a manufacturing environment in Kitchener, Ontario. Occasional travel or communication outside regular business hours may be required.

What you’ll do

Manage purchasing activities, purchase orders, supplier relationships, and material availability to meet production and operational needs. Support inventory planning, sourcing and cost-reduction initiatives, resolve supply risks, and improve purchasing processes in collaboration with internal teams.

Requirements

Requires a bachelor’s degree or diploma in supply chain management, business, operations, or a related field, along with five or more years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience. Candidates should have manufacturing and international purchasing experience, supplier negotiation and inventory control skills, ERP/MRP proficiency, and strong organizational, analytical, communication, and problem-solving abilities.

Listed skills

• Procurement · Preferred
• Supply chain management · Preferred
• Inventory Control · Preferred
• Forecasting · Preferred
• Risk Management · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred
• Problem solving · Preferred
• Process Improvement · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Purchasing
• Procurement
• Supply Chain Management
• Purchase Order Management
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Supplier Negotiation
• Sourcing
• Inventory Control
• Forecasting
• ERP/MRP Systems
• Cost Reduction
• Risk Management
• Analytical Skills
• Communication
• Problem-Solving
• Process Improvement

Job areas

• Manufacturing
• Logistics
• Management & Leadership

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