Buyer

Robinson Inc.; Altoona (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Robinson, Inc. in Altoona, IA is seeking a Buyer to procure non–BOM items supporting plant operations. You will place and manage outsourced purchase orders, assist in material evaluation, and collaborate with the Wisconsin Strategic Sourcing Team as needed.

The role requires five years of buying experience, ability to read part drawings, and proficiency with MS Office and ERP systems. You will work with internal departments to ensure best overall value and timely deliveries.

Qualifications

• College degree preferred but not required.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Five or more years of buying experience.
• Ability to read and understand part drawings.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and ERP systems.
• Effective communication with multiple site groups, customers, vendors.

Responsibilities

• Work with internal departments to align suppliers with required materials and services.
• Proactively identify suppliers and negotiate prices, delivery times and turnaround times with internal stakeholders.
• Assure accuracy of purchase orders including descriptions, quantities, prices and terms.
• Monitor and track purchase orders to ensure updated delivery information and on-time arrivals.
• Collect information from vendors for quality documentation and ensure quality standards.
• Develop local suppliers for non-BOM items and collaborate with the Kanban/inventory teams.
• Use SourceDay to manage purchase orders and move orders as needed.
• Conduct local supplier visits to improve relationships.

Skills

Procurement experience

Part drawings reading

MS Office & ERP systems

Vendor management

Effective communication

Education

College degree preferred

High school diploma or GED

Job description

We appreciate your interest in joining our team! At Robinson, Inc. we pride ourselves on our manufacturing solutions and ownership culture, which support the industries we serve and our local communities. Robinson is employee-owned and is driven by a dedicated team of skilled professionals that value trust, loyalty, teamwork, integrity, and accountability as the foundations of our organization. We strive to provide customer service that goes above and beyond the standard.

As the Buyer based at Robinson’s Altoona, Iowa plant, you will be responsible for procuring non–bill of materials items required to support facility operations, including limited capital equipment. This role involves placing and managing purchase orders for outsourced parts under the direction of the Supervisor of Outsourced Materials. You will also support material evaluation and flow, assist in resolving quality issues, and collaborate with the Wisconsin-based Strategic Sourcing Team as needed.

ROLE + RESPONSIBILITIES (included but not limited to)

• Work with other internal departments to align suppliers with required materials and services based on best overall value.
• Proactively identify and work with suppliers to negotiate prices, delivery times and

turnaround times; work with accounting to establish accounts with outside vendors.

• Assure the accuracy of purchase orders and that all include descriptions, quantities,

prices, discounts, payment terms and shipment dates.

• Monitor and track purchase orders to ensure that the most updated delivery information

is available; ensure items that are needed for production are in stock and/or arriving on

time.

• Collect information from vendors that is needed for quality documentation.
• Consistently demonstrate a quality mindset ensuring that products and services we

receive meet or exceed Robinson or customer quality standards.

• Work to develop local suppliers for non-BOM items and services.
• Work Inventory team on Kanban items and to validate inventory levels as necessary.
• Use SourceDay to manage purchase orders and move in and move out orders as

required.

• Conduct local supplier visits to help manage and improve supplier relationships.
• All other duties assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• College Degree preferred but not necessary. High school diploma or equivalent (GED) is required.
• Five (5) or more years of buying experience.
• Ability to read and understand part drawings.
• Mid-to-advanced level computer skills including experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, and ERP systems.
• Effective communication skills for interaction with others to include multiple site groups, customers, vendors, and potential customers.
• All potential candidates must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States, employer sponsorship is not available.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

This position requires minimal travel to local suppliers.

At Robinson, we value professionalism, expertise, and a dedication to craftsmanship. We offer a dynamic work environment where employees are empowered to excel and grow within their roles. Join us in our mission to deliver exceptional metal fabrication solutions while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and employee satisfaction.

Robinson is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.