Admin-Buyer-1st shift

NTN Bearing Corporation; Columbus (IN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

NTN Bearing Corporation in Columbus, Indiana, is seeking an Indirect/Direct Buyer to source indirect materials and services, including MRO supplies, tooling, capital equipment, and facility-related needs, ensuring uninterrupted plant operations.

The ideal candidate will have experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and a strong understanding of indirect procurement, supplier management, and cost control.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, business, or related field.
• 3+ years purchasing experience in manufacturing.
• Experience with indirect procurement (MRO, services, capital, tooling).
• Strong negotiation, analytics, vendor management, and financial aptitude.
• Proficiency with ERP and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Source and procure a broad range of MRO materials, supplies, and services for manufacturing operations, optimizing cost, quality, and service.
• Manage end-to-end requisition processing: RFQ, quotes, bids, supplier selection to meet cost targets.
• Apply analytical thinking to identify sourcing opportunities and develop category strategies.
• Identify, qualify, onboard new suppliers and monitor performance with KPIs and reviews.
• Lead supplier relationship management and ensure compliance with contracts.
• Coordinate with operations, planning, quality, and finance to align purchasing with production needs.
• Monitor supplier cost, delivery, lead times, and quality; take corrective actions as needed.
• Manage annual spend across commodities and portfolios; contribute to budgeting and forecasting.
• Operate with autonomy under guidelines and use data-driven analysis for procurement decisions.
• Escalate complex issues to management with well-supported recommendations.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical

Vendor management

Cost control

Cross-functional

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain or related field

Tools

ERP systems

MS Office

Job description

Columbus, Indiana, USA Job Description

#26-0486

JOB DESCRIPTION:

We are seeking a results-driven Indirect/Direct Buyer to support our automotive manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for sourcing and procuring indirect materials and services—including MRO supplies, tooling, capital equipment, and facility-related needs—ensuring uninterrupted plant operations.

The ideal candidate will have experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and a strong understanding of indirect procurement, supplier management, and cost control. This position works cross-functionally with engineering, maintenance, operations, accounting, and external suppliers to deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions.

Kery Responsibilities

• Responsible for sourcing and procurement of a broad range of MRO materials, supplies, and services supporting manufacturing operations, with a focus on optimizing cost, quality, and service levels.
• Manage end-to-end requisition processing, including RFQ issuance, quotation analysis, bid evaluation, and supplier selection, ensuring alignment with cost targets and operational requirements.
• Apply strong analytical and strategic thinking to identify sourcing opportunities, develop category strategies, and drive continuous improvement in procurement processes and supplier performance.
• Proactively identify, qualify, and onboard new suppliers while maintaining and enhancing the existing supplier base through structured performance monitoring, KPI tracking, and periodic business reviews.
• Lead and support supplier relationship management activities, ensuring compliance with contractual terms, driving accountability, and fostering long-term partnerships that deliver operational value.
• Coordinate closely with cross-functional stakeholders (operations, planning, quality, and finance) to align purchasing activities with production needs and maintain optimal inventory levels.
• Ensure continuity of supply and high service levels by monitoring supplier cost performance, delivery reliability, lead times, and quality metrics, taking corrective actions where necessary.
• Manage annual spend across assigned commodities and supplier portfolios, contributing to budgeting, forecasting, and cost optimization initiatives.
• Operate with a high degree of autonomy under general guidelines, demonstrating sound judgment, ownership, and a results-driven mindset in day-to-day purchasing decisions.
• Utilize structured problem-solving and data-driven analysis to resolve sourcing and supplier issues, escalating complex or strategic matters to management with well-supported recommendations.

Requirements

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EDUCATION, AND ABILITIES:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)
• 3+ years of purchasing experience, preferably in automotive or manufacturing
• Experience with indirect procurement (MRO, services, capital, tooling)
• Strong negotiation, analytical, vendor management skills, and attention to detail and financial aptitude.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and working knowledge of Microsoft Office module, excel, word, power point.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.