Are you a strategic procurement professional with experience in manufacturing environments? We are seeking a Lead Buyer to play a key role in ensuring the timely procurement of materials and services that support production operations. In this position, you will collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to optimize cost, quality, and delivery while maintaining a reliable supply chain.

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy building supplier relationships, and have a passion for driving operational excellence, we'd love to hear from you.

As a Lead Buyer, you will be responsible for managing the full purchasing lifecycle and supporting business objectives through effective sourcing, planning, and supplier management. Key responsibilities include:

• Manage material planning activities through MRP systems to support production schedules.
• Source and procure materials, components, and services while balancing cost, quality, and delivery requirements.
• Prepare and issue RFQs, evaluate supplier quotations, and negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms.
• Create, release, and maintain purchase orders within ERP systems, ensuring data accuracy.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, supporting supplier qualification and performance initiatives.
• Monitor supplier performance and collaborate on continuous improvement efforts.
• Expedite orders, manage lead times, and proactively resolve supply or delivery issues.
• Track inventory levels and support management of surplus and obsolete materials.
• Investigate product quality concerns, coordinate with suppliers, and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
• Generate and analyze purchasing, supplier performance, and cost-saving reports.
• Partner closely with engineering, production, and operations teams to ensure material requirements are met.
• Identify and implement cost reduction and process improvement opportunities.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, pricing agreements, contracts, and supplier information.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3-5 years of purchasing, procurement, or buying experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Experience sourcing and purchasing mechanical or industrial components.
• Strong negotiation skills with a demonstrated ability to secure competitive pricing and favorable terms.
• Experience utilizing ERP systems for purchasing activities and vendor management.
• Familiarity with MRP-based planning and inventory management.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

• Experience purchasing mechanical hardware such as nuts, bolts, fasteners, and related components.
• Experience working with global suppliers and international supply chains.
• Contract negotiation and supplier agreement management experience.
• ERP experience with SAP or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of end-to-end supply chain and procurement processes.
• Experience developing and maintaining supplier performance metrics and reports.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on process optimization and cost reduction.

• 100% onsite position
• Monday-Friday schedule
• Typical hours: 7:00 AM-3:00 PM or 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
• Primarily office-based with regular interaction with manufacturing and engineering teams.

This is a Permanent position based out of Sheboygan Falls, WI.

The pay range for this position is $85000.00 - $100000.00/yr.

Employee Benefits Paid Time Off (PTO): Employees become eligible for PTO immediately upon hire. Wellness Program: The company offers access to its Wellness Center and has an onsite physical therapy service. Recreational Access: Employees receive free access to the company's private golf course. Health Insurance: The benefits plan covers various medical services, including hospice care, inpatient/outpatient hospital services, and pre-admission testing. Short-Term Disability: A short-term disability plan is available for employees. Second Shift Benefits: Second-shift positions, such as the Painter role, offer additional benefits like a shift premium, paid lunch, and