Associate Buyer

E6; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

E6 is seeking an Associate Buyer for its Milwaukee-area manufacturing and distribution site. The role coordinates procurement and planning of raw materials, finished goods production and indirect supplies to support daily operations, leveraging the client’s ERP system and kanban practices.

The successful candidate will support purchasing, planning and launches, collaborate across Sourcing, Engineering, R&D and Logistics, and uphold our core values in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in purchasing, manufacturing planning or inventory management.
• Hands-on ERP experience and ability to navigate complex systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data analysis.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage inventory movements between the plant and external warehouse.
• Monitor production progress and material inventories to support schedules.
• Create, confirm and monitor purchase orders for materials and sub-contracts.
• Resolve logistics issues with suppliers and internal teams.
• Obtain purchase authorization and maintain supplier relationships.
• Coordinate with Sourcing, Engineering, Manufacturing and Logistics to refine requisitions.
• Explain procedures to departments and vendors.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Purchasing experience

ERP familiarity

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or Supply Chain Management

Tools

ERP software

Job description

The Associate Buyer serves as a purchasing agent for the client organization. This role coordinates the procurement and planning of goods and services, including raw materials, finished goods production and indirect supplies, to support daily operational needs.

The successful candidate will support purchasing and planning through the client's ERP system, inventory kanbans and new product launches at a combined manufacturing and distribution site. The role keeps the customer at the center of every decision and upholds the client's core values.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage inventory movements between the plant and an outside warehouse.
• Monitor production progress, material inventories and other factors affecting the production schedule; transfer and expedite needed material on time.
• Create, confirm and monitor purchase orders for purchased and sub-contracted items.
• Review, address and resolve logistics issues with suppliers, the internal logistics team and the outside warehouse.
• Obtain purchase authorization through proper channels in accordance with company policy.
• Collaborate with peers to address demand changes, including expedites, increases, push-outs and cancellations, as well as product knowledge questions.
• Explain and clarify purchasing and transfer procedures to internal departments and vendors.
• Support supplier relationships to maintain strong, long-term partnerships.
• Resolve invoice discrepancies in partnership with the accounts payable team.
• Work cross-functionally with Sourcing, Engineering, R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Receiving and Master Scheduling to clarify purchase requisitions, identify departmental needs and refine specifications for future purchase orders.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• One or more years of experience in purchasing, manufacturing planning or inventory management
• Hands-on experience working in an ERP system
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or comparable software
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong analytical skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Positive, proactive and professional approach

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business or Supply Chain Management
• Three or more years of experience in purchasing, supplier and materials management