Buyer

Waterstone Human Capital; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing organization in Kitchener, Ontario is seeking an experienced Buyer to support purchasing and supply chain operations. The role focuses on maintaining a reliable supply of materials, managing supplier relationships, and driving cost and delivery improvements.

The successful candidate will balance daily operations with longer-term sourcing and process improvement initiatives, collaborating across production, planning, quality, engineering, and customer service teams.

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
• Experience purchasing materials or components from international suppliers
• 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 across departments

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 delivery dates with suppliers
• 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 resolve shortages or delivery concerns with internal teams and suppliers
• Collaborate with production, planning, quality, engineering, customer service, and other departments
• Support inventory planning, forecasting, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Document and improve purchasing processes and procedures
• Provide guidance and support to other members of the purchasing team

Skills

ERP/MRP systems

Supplier negotiations

Inventory control

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or related

Tools

MS Excel

ERP/MRP software

Job description

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.