Associate Raw Materials Buyer

US Premier Tube Mills; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Associate Raw Materials Buyer to enhance their procurement team. This role offers a unique opportunity to develop negotiation skills and gain hands-on experience in vendor management and purchasing strategies. You will be involved in optimizing costs and quality of raw materials, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Join a collaborative environment where your contributions will directly impact the supply chain efficiency and operational success. If you are eager to learn and grow in a dynamic setting, this position is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience in purchasing or supply chain preferred.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail are essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist in executing purchasing strategies for raw materials.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers.

Skills

Negotiation Skills

Analytical Skills

Project Management

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving Abilities

Time Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management

Equivalent experience in business or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

ERP systems

Job description

Overview

The Associate Raw Materials Buyer supports the procurement team by assisting in the implementation of purchasing strategies, building and maintaining vendor relationships, ensuring accurate purchasing records, and collaborating across departments. This role provides opportunities to develop negotiation skills and gain experience in vendor management, pricing strategies, and contract execution.

Responsibilities

• Purchasing & Procurement Strategy: Assist in executing purchasing strategies to optimize cost, quality, and delivery of raw materials.
• Vendor Relations: Aid in building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers to ensure a reliable and cost-effective supply chain.
• Order Management: Prepare, process, and track purchase orders, ensuring accuracy in pricing, specifications, and delivery schedules.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure purchased materials meet required quality standards and specifications by collaborating with quality control teams.
• Negotiation Development: Learn and support price and contract negotiations to secure favorable terms for the company.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Work closely with production, quality, and logistics teams to align purchasing with operational needs.
• Surplus Material Coordination: Assist in identifying, managing, and coordinating the disposal or repurposing of surplus materials.
• Market Research & Reporting: Help prepare and present market reports on pricing trends, supplier performance, and raw material availability.
• Data Management & Compliance: Maintain accurate purchasing records and ensure compliance with company policies and industry regulations.
• Liaison Role: Serve as a point of communication between purchasing, production, and finance teams to facilitate smooth operations.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 1-3 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain preferred.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to multitask and manage priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and ERP systems.
• Knowledge of raw materials, metals, or manufacturing industries is a plus.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Negotiation Skills: Strong ability to negotiate contracts, prices, and terms with suppliers while balancing cost, quality, and delivery timelines.
• Strategic Thinking: Capable of developing and implementing long-term purchasing strategies that align with the company’s production and financial goals.
• Vendor Relationship Management: Proven ability to build and maintain long-term relationships with suppliers, ensuring consistent material quality and availability.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills to assess market trends, monitor supplier performance, and forecast material requirements.
• Project Management: Excellent organizational and project management skills to handle multiple purchasing initiatives, timelines, and priorities.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Ability to identify supply chain risks and challenges and develop proactive solutions to ensure uninterrupted material flow.
• Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including production, quality control, logistics, and finance.
• Attention to Detail: High level of attention to detail to manage accurate records, track purchase orders, and ensure materials meet quality specifications.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to liaise with internal departments, suppliers, and management effectively.
• Time Management: Ability to manage tight deadlines, coordinate timelines, and prioritize tasks to meet production and business goals.
• Financial Acumen: Knowledge of cost analysis, budgeting, and financial reporting to ensure procurement aligns with company cost-saving objectives.